Do-Overs

A while back, I was in a crowded mall on a tax-free back-to-school weekend, trying to replace my phone’s screen saver. I wasn’t feeling well— achy, low energy, and the added stress of a packed parking lot had already frayed my nerves when I walked in. Earlier that day, I was checked for COVID and was relieved that I didn’t even have a fever.

In the mall, the employee helping me seemed equally worn out. Before long, our conversation shifted from solving a simple tech issue to an exchange driven more by emotion than reason.

I felt like I was involved in the old “bait and switch” game. When the transaction ended, I was stunned to be asked for an extra $20 above our original agreement. Frustration flared, but I took a deep breath, paid what he asked, and he surprised me with a $20 discount. Impulsively grateful, I tipped him $20. As reality set in, neither of us had gained from our heightened emotions.

Reflecting on “if I could do it again,” I see how better preparation could have changed everything. A quick self‑inventory, acknowledging my low tolerance that day, would have helped me stay calm. Presenting myself with patience and respect would have preserved my composure and made the interaction smoother for both of us.

In relationships and everyday encounters, reacting poorly when unprepared or overwhelmed is all too easy. Asking if I had a do-over, how would I do this differently? Turns regret into growth. It allows me to rehearse a kinder, more thoughtful response by revisiting a situation or equipping myself for the next time. These situations recur, and having thought through them prepares me for the following circumstances. These healthy questions position me for better outcomes and richer connections in the future. Keeping a good inventory of my emotional condition helps me respond more favorably and steer clear of a significant conflict.

Watch for the blind spots.

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