Rude Dude Awakening

I’m writing you from 6B, a lovely middle seat on a jam-packed plane from Charlotte to Phoenix. P.S. I really despise the middle seat.

Naturally, when I boarded the plane, the area where my seat is had no clear overhead bin space left. As a seasoned traveler, I know overhead bins are like playing Tetris, a few right moves and shapes and you’ll have a complete line. I quickly noticed if I moved one smaller bag directly across the aisle – to the exact same spot in the adjacent overhead, there would be room for my bag.

Here’s what transpired. I grabbed the bag I wanted to move and asked whose it was. The man sitting directly in front of me immediately said to me. “NO!” Oh this is going to be a joy, you’ve got to love the immediate shutdown. The remainder of the conversation went like this…

Me: “Sir, I simply wanted to know if I could move it directly across to here.” I pointed to the empty space in the adjacent overhead bin.

Sir: “Whatever, just don’t wrinkle my jacket.”

Me: “Oh, I would never…” CUTOFF

Sir: “I don’t have to listen to you!” You really must read that in a raised rude AND condescending tone.

Eyes from all around where I was standing gleamed sympathetic. I proceeded to move his bag to the other overhead, hoist my metallic beige bag where his was and then I removed his suit jacket, refolded it directly in front of him and gently replaced it to its original, apparently assigned, location. I received a grumbled “thank you”.

I moved to the row behind him and took my middle seat. The gentleman sitting next to me said, “That was a first for me.”

I laughed and said, “Not for me.” Meaning, it’s not the first time I’ve flown on a full-flight and had someone take his or her nasty attitude out on me.

I quickly brushed it off, got situated in my seat, and began texting my loved ones any needed messages before I took off.

Now as I sip my coffee in coach, reflecting, I wish to say the following.

An Open Letter to the Man in Seat 5C:

Thank you Sir for the rude awakening you inflicted on me at 8:59am this Tuesday morning. I greatly appreciate you challenging me with your negative attitude. Your quickness to cut me off mid-sentence allowed me to use my rapid response skills and put into practice multiple items I preach.

Because of you, I was able to live out my current mantra, “Extend grace more than judgment.”

Because of you, I am reminded I do not know the “what” which made you snap at me, nor does it matter, your circumstances should not affect my reaction.

Because of you, I was able to display in front of witnesses what it means to rise above the rude and deliver positivity.

Because of you, I was able to choose happiness and joy for the remainder of my day instead of sulking and being ticked off, which would have sub sequentially perpetrated the rude cycle. 

Because of you, I remember the dire need to be a beacon of positive light and hope in a world full of hate and negativity. 

Because of you, I will pray for all those walking through their day with a “no is always my first response” chip on their shoulder to encounter someone who blesses them with a random act of kindness.  

And lastly, Sir, because of you, I was able to write my article for my weekly newsletter. Thank you very much!

I’m glad to have met you this morning. You will likely never know the lasting impact you’ve made and the life lessons you’ve allowed me to put into action today. I wish you more happiness than you can handle for the remainder of your life. You deserve to be surrounded with kindness and love, because it’s the only way to soften the rude awakening brewing inside you.

My best,

Seat 6B aka the Chick who moved your bag

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