A Hug Helps

I think I have a solution to a problem I have at my job.  I actually don't have a problem at my job.  What I have is an issue when I have to deal with very difficult people.  Thankfully these difficult people are not my co-workers.  The people who I sometimes have issues with are the rude, in-your-face, raising your voice to get attention, guests (in case you are reading this blog for the first time, I work at a front desk at a very nice hotel).  

Last Sunday, I was having a pleasant work day, until a woman came in who was just incredibly difficult.  She was doing all the things I listed above.  That's not all, after she checked-in, she continued to be difficult.  She was like a big bully... trying to get me to do things that she knows I wasn't allowed to do (and not leaving it be).  I was getting so irritated.  I was getting angry with her (on the inside of course; I couldn't let her know how I felt) because every time she opened her mouth, my anxiety level would just go up.  My anxiety was rising because each time she talked to me, my natural reaction was to firmly say, "If you come back and talk to me like that again, I personally will pick you up by the shirt collar and kick your 'you-know-what' out of here."  Okay, so you all know that didn't happen.  Instead, what I had to do (what I get paid to do) is to remain professional, calm, and do my job to the best of my ability.  I'm not kidding, though, I saw an imaginary sign on this woman's forehead that said, "When I was a kid, I was a big bully!"  As the night went on, I started to truly pity her and her family (yes, this bully woman has children, and they were very sweet).  I could not help but feel a twinge of sadness when I thought of her family.  What type of example was she setting for her children?  I'll tell you what it was: kick and scream to get anything you want.  Well, I can tell you that she did not get all she wanted from me (the demands were just too ludicrous).

Enough about this lady.  Here is what I learned.  As I am dealing with people like her, I am going to try and remember the people who are so nice.  My husband pointed out we don't remember the nice ones as much.  That is so true because the mean people leave such an imprint.  This weekend my husband and I had a great time at our friends house for dinner.  I was talking to my friend, and she was telling me a story about a person who works at a hotel she just visited, and how nice he was.  As I was talking to her, I remembered a very sweet older woman who I have seen from time to time these last few years.  She would make some reservations for her and her sister & husband.  Her sister's husband was very ill, and by staying at the hotel, it was nearby where he needed treatment, and it was relaxing for him to be by the ocean.  I would always try to help her out as much as I could.  The first few times she made reservations, I never saw her because she came in on my days off, but it was as if I made a friend over the phone.  One day, she came in, and said who she was, and I was so happy to meet her.  She said, "Can I give you a hug?"  I said, "Of course!  I love hugs!"  Then she called me an angel... Well.... I am no angel, but she was so incredibly sweet, and I wanted to help her.  Now, every time she comes in, I get a hug!  I have now decided that each time I have to deal with a guest who gives me anxiety and makes me not feel good, I will think of this woman and her hugs. :)  Even writing about it gets me a little choked up.  I hope to see her again soon, but under better circumstances (when her brother-in-law is not ill).  What I just realized is that she is my angel because when I have a difficult time with guests, I want to think of her and her kindness.

Happy Tuesday to you and yours...