夏が終わったかと思えばまた暑くなり、次の日はまた寒くなり…
体がついていきませーん！
オイル交換で運転手さんとお話した。勇気づけられた。
While I left my car for an oil change at the dealer, a driver gave me a ride. He was a very kind, gentle person. He said "I love this job because I get to meet many people". He retired from GM 5 years ago and he runs errands at this dealershop, giving people rides, picking up ordered parts, delivering documents to SOS, banks, etc. He talked a lot about his hobby on checking on cars and making radios. He was humble; he said his wife was happy that he works and he is not home. and he has 16 people that asks him to do things. The 10 minute ride was enough to know that he is a sincere person with a lot of experience, loves interacting with people, and despite everything, he adores and he has hope in people. I felt my eyes welled up. He said "I love this job, and I want to continue this job as long as I'm healthy enough to do that". After I told him that I was working on dry bean genetics, he asked me "And how are you going to make money after that?" as a genuine question. It did not sound like he was mocking about my job at all; only a person with no arrogant mind can ask such a question without being offensive. When I told him that I was from Japan, he said he had had many Honda motorbikes, and they were all great. Everytime I tell someone that I'm from Japan, they would tell me how good Japanese products are. I am fluttered and happy to hear that.
So since he said he loves people, I asked "How do you cope with someone that's arrogant, or busybody, or just difficult to deal with?" half out of curiosity, and half in need for good advice. He answered with a sincere face: "Well, you sometimes need to say it in the face. It happens that someone will treat you with respect only after you take a stance." That is kind of true. People may want to take advantage of you. Especially men tend to think that women are dumb. So you need to show that you are not. You need to say that you need to be treated with respect. If he is nagging you, disrespectful to you, or rude, then you need to say that it's not acceptable. Sometimes men are not smart enough to know that. That was funny - it is men that who think women are dumb, but they are the ones who are dumb! (Apologies for my sexist remarks; won't happen again outside his logic.) We need to stand up - silence is obedience -- "Sound like you are mad. You may have to force yourself." He showed explicitly how to say it in the face. With dignity and determination. It was a precious encounter - never expected to have such valuable advice from a driver - appreciate it. I hope he will be long healthy and keep busy. And I hope to see him again soon.
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