A s I am growing older, I find that I am becoming more rigid in my opinions. I have started to believe that the experiences that I have gained over my long life give me the freedom to harbour preconceived notions. I am also more judgmental now.
These three factors combined have developed in me a false sense of superiority that I am always right. I have started interrupting people if they put forth a contradictory viewpoint. I am not an exception.
I find many persons, peer or older or even younger, suffering from the same malaise, unable to step back and reflect, and apologise if need be. Fortunately for me, my wife, daughters, and well-wishers make it a point to interrupt me in time. There are also incidents and earlier experiences that help me remain grounded.
I was in a departmental store a few years ago. A young woman approached us selling a newly launched hair product by a leading brand. It was much pricier than the most expensive item in the category available on the shelves.
She vouched for the superior quality, insisting that we try it once. She replied in the affirmative to my query if she had used it. Her reply was in contrast to my pre-conceived judgment that a mere salesperson would not have the means to buy the product.
I smirked and insensitively asked her how she could afford such an expensive shampoo. She remarked with a smile without taking offence that the company had given samples to the salespersons before they could start making a pitch in the stores. I be.