role model

so yesterday i'm out running a few errands .. kids and i are in the car awaiting sean's return from a quick stop. car parks next to me, driver opens door and whacks into my door.

now, i'm not talking a love tap here, folks. whacks it.

i look at the driver through my window, and notice it's a man about 45 or so. he knows better than this, right? he didn't really hit my door *that* hard, right? for goodness sakes, MY kids are taught to be extra careful, open the door slowly, don't hit the car next to you ... etc.

crap. out i go to take a look to see if there is any damage.

he looks at me, and says (get this!) FILLED with a nasty tone in his voice "i hit your molding, that's all, it's fine"

wtf?

i respond with (NOT so filled with nasty, restraining myself) "oh, *just* my molding, that's all?"

he says, i am so not joking people : "don't be an asshole, this happens everyday!"

you have GOT to be joking?? i look at him in absolute awe, and say "you MUST be kidding me? you hit my car, and you're calling me names? a fine role model you are for your kids, buddy!" (at this point, i cannot believe i haven't sworn at the SOB, or even raised my voice for his awful disrespect .. but really, what kind of role model am i then?!)

he says (get this) "oh, lady it happens everyday - you're a fine example too!"

what?

i look at him, and say in as calm a voice as possible "you might want to teach your children that remorse for accidents works much better than your current attitude" :O)

he says "c'mon boys. lady, i apologize for hitting your molding" with the most insincere snotty attitude i have ever heard before.

i say "i wish you meant that, but you really don't" and got back in the car.

huh? what the hell just happened?

when i did get back into the car, the kids had all kinds of questions for me - and i explained it to them (in 8 and 6 year old terms of course) and added that being kind to people above all is the most important thing you can do in life. and i added that people like that man don't get into heaven with the rest of "our" angels up there. ;o)

all the while i was steaming inside and shaking from the adrenaline of being attacked like that.

i told sean, and his shock confirmed that i wasn't overreacting.

seriously, mean people should all just live in one town, and beat each other up.