What Tests Your Patience?

So what is worse, a lack of patience or a lack of caring by those causing you to lose your patience?  Let me cite a few examples that I’ve personally experienced and I would guess some of you have as well:

• Anytime you have to call a company in regards to “customer service” or should we call it “lack of customer service?” First of all you are greeted with an automatic message that gives you anywhere from 3-9 options for where your call should be directed.  If you are lucky one of those matches what you need and after waiting on hold for what seems like an hour you are greeted by someone who you simply can’t understand.  By now you are pulling your hair out and wishing you never made the call.

• You’re in the express lane at ShopRite with two items and the woman in front of you appears to be in violation of the maximum number of items for that lane. While you’re frustrated by this you mind you own business but then she makes no move to get her purse out until the very end and begins fishing for exact change…”wait a second I know I have a nickel and penny here.”  By this time you’re breaking into a cold sweat.

• You’re at the Dunkin drive-thru simply wanting a cup of hot coffee. The person in front of you orders a box of donuts and can’t figure out how to split them up.  They turn to their children in the back seat and start with “three glazed, two powdered, two chocolate…how many is that and do you have any vanilla with sprinkles?”  By now my heart is beating very fast.

• My wife Jane constantly tells me I drive like an old man which I find insulting although I guess at age 68 it’s a fact because I am an old man. However I’m a firm believer that the left lane in any multi-lane roadway is not for those who drive at or below the speed limit…it’s for those who want to pass slower drivers.  Nothing tests your patience more than being behind someone on the Parkway in the left lane holding traffic up because they are doing 55 MPH.  Move over!