Lesson #2 Your ego isn't as big as the moon

The other day I was having my first-ever blood donation, and due to inadequate staffing, the process was kinda slow. When my turn finally came for the nurse to attend to me, I said 'cepat, cepat~' playfully to show my eagerness and enthusiasm.

But the nurse took it the wrong way. She thought I was criticizing their efficiency, and she got so pissed that she gave me a piece of her mind. I was stunned and didn't know how to react to such a misunderstanding. She didn't even give me a chance to explain myself.

Thinking back, maybe I should've apologized or something. That might have cooled her down a little, and I could have took the chance to clear things up.

Lesson:

1. Its good practice to be more attentive with your choice of words with people who don't know you very well, as they are more prone to misinterpreting or being judgmental of you. However, you mustn't be too withdrawn either or you won't be able to break new ground. Take calculated risks.

2. If you are caught in a misunderstanding, its self-defeating to be self-defensive. Instead, aim to try to slow things down by apologizing or offering your perception of the situation to the other party. Once the atmosphere eases up, finish what you started by rectifying the misunderstanding.

3. Cast your pride away, because you aren't gonna be losing any of it once mutual understanding has been attained.