Heroines speak up

The other day, I did not say anything when one sales woman was horribly rude to her co-worker, who had been so helpful to me. I very much wish I had done so, but I waffled in the moment, debating if it would make her day, or make the Mean Lady even worse. In the end I slinked off, kind of ashamed with myself.

[image error]Even when it comes to speaking up for myself, I often let the opportunity pass me by.  The last time I ordered a double espresso I was served an amount more akin to a quarter of an espresso, but I didn't say a word. Not only did I end up undercaffeinated, I also ended up annoyed with myself for not saying anything. And then I was too tired to stay up til midnight on New Years. Grrr! Yeah, it's just a coffee (a very small coffee, argh) but if it's hard when the stakes are small, what about when it's an issue that really matters?

I was thrilled to see that an article about an older brother defending his younger brother to their father making the most popular list on the Huffington Post for two reasons. First, because it's just a great story of someone speaking up kindly in the moment and second, I think popularity of the post showed how much we support that kind of human kindness.

Why is it so hard? I don't know about you, but I don't like to be a bother. Or the moment goes by so fast. Or I don't think of anything until later, which makes me think that speaking up is as much about living in the moment as it is about identifying and articulating thoughts and feelings.

My new dare: Next time, say something. I reckon it's what a romance heroine would do.

Question: When was the last time you wanted to speak up, but didn't?