I was at the dentist the other day, and to be completely transparent, I don’t really love this dentist office. The dentist is good, but the dental assistants are not nice. I knew this going in—and this one particular assistant did not disappoint! As I sat in the chair I thought about all the ways I could correct her unacceptable behavior, and I ruminated over how I would complain to the office manager before leaving. I had a plan and, darn it, I was going to execute it—once I was no longer held captive in this chair.

But as I sat there, I had another thought—is fighting fire with fire really my best decision? I know it can work to help put out a wildfire, but with people it often tends to create more “fire” (people “fire” is anger and resentment) which is rarely helpful or productive. So I wrestled with it some more and chose the opposite of what my knee-jerk reaction was—I chose to be NICER to her and see if I could coerce her to leave the dark side and come to the light! Guess what happened? Yup! It wasn’t immediate, not by a long shot, but she absolutely turned the corner and by the time I left, she and I were laughing together about dental cleanings!

If I hadn’t been stuck in the chair with dental equipment in my big fat mouth, I would have marched right to the front desk and complained. I have a righteous side of me and that isn’t always the best thing. I’m so grateful I was forced to let this little experiment play out! Try it yourself! Who is really on your last nerve right now? Who do you want to complain about publicly or otherwise? Do you want to give kindness a try? Spread some love because maybe, just maybe, that will change them—and you! It did for me.

Let’s GO! WE GOT THIS!
Beth Fitzgerald