My impulses almost got me in severe trouble!

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Hey there...oh god...I've only come off of some experience just an hour ago, that I still can't shake off.

Let me explain: me and my mother were coming home from some big shopping, and she wanted to stop at a local convenience store for a lotto ticket. Well, I happened to be feeling in a good mood, wanting to get home for a nice fish supper, when some pickup pulled up and parked 2 spaces away from Mom's caravan. Judging from the way the passengers looked, they were probably rednecks.

Anyway, one of them got out to get supplies, and as he rounded the front of the truck, he did something that TOTALLY killed my happy mood: he SPAT on the side of the building, and went about his business like he didn't even care! DISGUSTING!! I mean, I was pissed...so much so, I could only think of one thing to do to cancel out that bad thing happening...and it could've cost me my LIFE! I got out of the van, took a few strides towards the truck, and spat on it, around where the rear left wheel was...

Feeling very satisfied that the guy who went in didn't come out, and thus didn't see me, I went to walk back, but as I did...I heard someone say "Yes, can I help you?"

...........I'd forgotten that his buddy was still in the truck!! !

And seeing that he was in the driver's seat, he was probably the OWNER of that truck!

So I IMMEDIATELY apologized and said it was an accident, and wiped off my spittle with my sweatshirt cuff. But surprisingly, he didn't seem to think that my spitting was deliberate, because he just laughed and said 'It's cool, don't worry about it", like my aim was simply off or something! But believe me, I was tremendously shaken up about it when I got back in the van.

Hell, I'm still shaking now, considering I did something that COULD have gotten me hurt, or WORSE! I mean, to a redneck, his truck is his life! To spit on it would be a direct insult to him! Thank GOD this one was in a good mood!

I hope this experience will make me think twice about being do damn impulsive.

As always, comments and scoldings are welcome.

Usagi1992

Actually, that "redneck" probably knew what you were trying to say, and the point you were trying to make.

Yes, we take pride in the material things we own. Partly because we worked to get them and partly because they help us live the way WE want to live. That some of those possessions are also synonymous with our image to the rest of the world is pretty much immaterial to us, as we don't care what people outside our circle of family and friends think they know about us.

When you speak of someone as a "redneck" you are speaking of someone who works with his hands, outside, in harsh conditions, building and making things for those of you who don't know how or don't care to do such. The person who spends 8 to 12 hours a day behind a computer, at a desk or behind a cash register has just as much value as does someone who raises the food you eat and builds the building in which you live or work. Not more. Not less.

OK, my tirade is over. You may have your thread back.

Pops

I think you handled it well,in appologising for your actions.

I see only two things I'd have done differently:

I would not have waited for the spitter to disappear before saying something tohim, calmly and rationally.

I would not have lied to the driver of the pickup, but would have told him what had upset me was his passenger's spitting on somebody else's property.

Pops

*sighs in relief* Thank you Pops, you've really given me something to think about. ^_^

I feel better now.

Usagi1992

Perhaps I spoke a little harshly in that post. I feel rather strongly about the subject. I am a "redneck" in the eyes of many around me. I've worked inside, at a design desk or a computer most of my life. I've worked outside, climbing radio towers, farming, laying irrigation lines, building and installing equipment and manufacturing and processing plants and such, most of my life.

The point I'm trying to make follows:

"Redneck" "Trailer-trash" "Bar-hopper" "Cowboy" "Illiterate" "Wrong Side of the Tracks"
All based on appearance, dress, manner of speech and perception. None based on knowing and evaluating the person.

"ret*d" "Bozo" "Geek" "Nerd" "Snark" "Dork"
All based on appearance, dress, manner of speech and perception. None based on knowing and evaluating the person.

How many, and which of the above have you been called, just because you are Aspie?

Just one of my soapboxes.

Pops

......

Gosh, I'm sorry...

I *have* been labeled 'ret*d', 'geek' and 'nerd' in my school days, and all because I was different from the other kids. And you're right, names DO hurt, contrary to that 'sticks and stones' philosophy.

All apologies, my friend.

Usagi1992

The thing is, you don't have to apologize to me. I was not aware of such until about 10 years ago, when one of the girls on the school bus I drove got me to thinking about it.

She is full-blood Mexican-Indeo. I was always working on stopping the kids from teasing her about her background. Then, one day, I heard her call one of her friends "Indian giver." Suddenly, I realized how some phrases are so common in our culture we don't think about how they might affect the way we think.

I brought this to her attention and I could see the light behind her eyes dawn. I , too, began to think about it. As always, I obssesed on it until I came to terms with it. Now, it is not so much an obssesion, but is always there when the occassion arises to tell somebody else to think about what is actually being said. She graduated last Spring and I had a chance to talk to her. She remembered what I had said to her in 4th grade and thanked me for making her more aware of such things. Made me feel good, it did.

As you have already said, acting on impulse is not always the wisest thing. Sometimes it is necessary, but, not thinking of the right way to act on an impulse can, indeed, get one in trouble. Rushing into a fire to rescue a person is an impulsive act. Looking for the safest way in and making sure you have an exit is the thought to have before acting on that impulse. (Just an example.)

You are doing well, because you are thinking about your actions and learning from your mistakes. A man whom I respect very much once told me that the only mistake from which you don't learn something is the one which kills you. You are learning. That is something in which you can, and should, take pride.

Pops