VirginiaWind - From Where I Sit October 2005

More Backseat

Email Michelle at clooliss@hotmail.com.

Backseat - From Where I Sit

October 2005

Wait and See

Waiting is one of those unavoidable things in life that can show you the true character of a person. While most people accept waiting as a part of life, there are 3 extreme personality types that will inevitably emerge in any long line. There is the type "W" or "Whatever" people. These are the fools you see in Times Square on New Years Eve – life is a party, the circumstance is incidental. Then there are the type "A" or "Annoyed" personality types. These people are prone to shoulder damage from repeatedly looking at their watches and have only a "10 minute" wait tolerance window. After that, all bets are off. Regardless of the wait time, type "A’s” are best left muttering to themselves. Type "M" or "Martyrs" are probably the worst people to be with. While it is true that they are long-suffering and patient, it is only because they are doing it for YOU. They are more than willing to share with everyone in line the fact that THEY are sacrificing their time to make YOU happy. If you are on a date and suddenly realize you are with an "M" the best thing you can do is place them next to a type "A" and let nature take its course. The problem will self-correct and probably provide a little extra entertainment to the "W's" in line.

The one upside to waiting is knowing that eventually everyone has to do it. There is one place that virtually every adult will have to wait - I am referring to the great equalizer, that time-eating-black-hole of existence, the Department of Motor Vehicles. This is the only place in life where it doesn't matter how rich you are, what your job is or whom you know. You will still get the pleasure of congregating with the rest of the disgruntled masses for an indefinite period of time waiting for your magic number to be called. Personally, I would like to be there when Paris Hilton has to renew her driver’s license - now that's an idea for "real" reality show.

It's not all bad news, especially if you put it in the proper perspective. Don't think of it as waiting for that hotdog from that street vendor; think of it as lingering for a whiff of that appetizing aroma of boiled wieners. You aren't waiting on hold to find out how much you are over-drawn on your bank account; you are prolonging the joy of listening to preprogrammed music. You certainly aren’t waiting to get to your destination while riding on the back of the bike; you are focusing on increasing your bladder control while you await the opportunity for the next bathroom break.

Besides, waiting builds character. It's good for the soul. It tests the mettle of a relationship and forges an even stronger bond. Some day my hubby will thank me for allowing him the opportunity to ponder life's issues while waiting for me to find the perfect outfit that doesn't make my hips look big, show my age or make me look like I am “trying too hard”.

So instead of standing over me impatiently every month waiting on the article I crank out at the last minute, he should be appreciating that I am allowing such significant inner growth - In fact I think he should take me out to dinner to celebrate my infinite wisdom in allowing this opportunity. Hmmmm - It’s already 6:00 PM. The lines at the restaurant are probably out the door by now…never mind.

Thanks for visiting VirginiaWind.