For the past week I’ve been walking in the morning… six out of the last seven days. I’ve laced on my Nikes, clicked on my iPod, stuffed my Skull Candy ear buds into my head and off I’d go. I’m a strider. I walk fast and keep my eyes ahead, so when I’m zoned out on my walks I’m not thinking of much else other than what song is playing next or how to avoid the dog poop on the sidewalk.
That is until I see another walker out. Then I slow my pace a little, plunk one ear bud out so I can hear if the other person speaks to me, and put on my best ‘walkers unite smile.’
It’s like when I’m in line at a check out and my phone rings. I only answer it if it’s one of my kids, then I ask them if I can call back. I think it’s rude to clerks to talk on the phone the whole while they are providing me a service. Same thing when meeting someone out, I think it’s rude of me to not answer if they speak to me, I can’t hear them if my ears are plugged…. that’s just me.
Maybe it was that it was overcast, maybe my bright orange Rocky Top Tennessee ball cap offended a Florida native, who knows, but Tuesday was grumpy walker day in my neighborhood.
I was on my turnaround, headed home, less than a mile to go and I saw her walking toward me. Ambling really, strolling. As the distance closed between us, I tugged out an ear bud, smiled and chirped out a ‘Good Morning.’ Maybe she doesn’t like perky people, maybe she doesn’t like morning people, maybe… who knows. All I do know is that she sneered at me. Sneered… and I can’t be sure, but she grunted something that sounded like ‘morning,’ and there was nothing ‘good’ about it.
As we passed, I continued to smile and she held onto her lip-curling snarly face. It was a true buzz kill… I had been having a great walk. I even turned around to watch her walk away, thinking maybe she’d add a ‘hi, how are you’ gesture as my back turned.
I’m not going to let this ruin my day, or keep me from getting back out tomorrow. But, I will have to fight my passive-aggressive tendencies to put on a bigger, cheerier, perkier smile if I see her again and resist the urge to wish her a ‘Great Morning!’ I guess a hug would be out of the question… right?
*disclaimer – I was not compensated in any way for mentioning specific brands in this post, these are merely the products I own and use on a regular basis.
Thin spiral notebook 
I’m def not a morning person AT ALL but I certainly wouldn’t be an asshole to others passing me while walking! Sheesh!
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This is very funny Tara. Although I haven’t walked in ages….I was doing it on a regular basis a while back. Once in a while you do run into someone who obviously doesn’t want to be bothered by courtesies to other walkers….or someone who is just plain grouchy….and in the morning, I suppose you might get more than usual. I ran into very few of those kind of people. Don’t be deterred….keep on smilin’….you just may crack a smile on one of these grumps….and keep walking. ~Joy
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Ok, I’m not a morning person, but I don’t take it out on strangers (just my family, really) 😉 Boo to her! It’s common courtesy where I am to say hi when you see people while walking. And you’re in the SOUTH!
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Keep your smile! Heck look at it this way, either you cheer someone else up or your perkiness just annoys them more… and for me, I get a kick out of that. LOL! Is they’re in a bad mood and my good mood annoys them, then their problem, not mine. tee hee
And good for you walking every morning! I do good to get a shower every morning. 😉 hehehe
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I think a hug next time is clearly called for!
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‘walkers unite smile.’
Ahahaa! That’s adorable and hilarious and so true.
As for sneering lady … whenever someone is an asshole I imagine they are probably going through a personal hell and try to send vibes of kindness, love and healing.
You never know, she might come around one day with a smile of her own.
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If I can manage to cobble together a little friendly in the morning, I expect everyone else to!
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Keep up with your friendliness, it’s a good thing. Maybe that woman is just unpleasant or maybe she has a huge amount of grief or stress in her life that has to seep out somehow. Your kindness and patience can never hurt.
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I know how you feel. Bug (7yr old) and I are morning people, the other 3 are not. It causes issues sometimes.
I don’t get the grumpy in the morning stuff. Get up, attack your day, get over it.
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dont they just!! my housemate is a great girl but she gets up in the morning, does an excercise vid, bangs about, eats breakfast…. yet i love her becuase her morning routine includes making me a cup of tea!
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