Grumpiness is contagious

I’m a pretty cheerful person. I generally keep a positive and upbeat attitude. I believe in the power of the ‘glass half-full’ outlook in life. I stay happy and I smile or grin, actually. I guess that’s why I don’t get grumpy people. Do they get up in the morning and decide to be grumpy or were they born that way? I don’t get it.

I was on a flight with a couple of neonatal nurses. One was a nurse practitioner. She was a total grumpous. Our pilot that day was one you want to work with when you’re feeling blue. He can cheer up Eeyore. That takes some talent. It was a beautiful day. The weather was perfect. The view all around was majestic. Our pilot comments on how very pretty the day was and what a wonderful day it was to fly. The nurse practitioner comes back with, “Yeah, it would be even better if we can see through these dirty windows.” I turned and told her to turn the little knob on the inside window. The windows are tinted. When you turn them one way, they go dark. You turn them the other way and it clears up. It’s actually pretty cool. It’s like a built-in visor for your windshield.

She turns the knob, looks out, and says, “Oh. It’s still not clear enough.” Wow! Speak about glass half-empty people, huh? Maybe she has PMS. Maybe.

When we got to the airport, the EMTs who picked us up were grumpy and defensive. What is up with that???? It took a little bit longer to be at the bedside with the baby. The EMTs came in the room and told us they were leaving for ‘a little bit.’ I asked where they were going, only because I noticed it was lunch time and I thought they probably wanted to go and eat lunch. Since we still had a couple of procedures we had to do, I asked where they were going only to find out if they were going to lunch so I can tell them not to rush. Instead, when I asked, the girl EMT said and not too nicely, “We’re just going to the cafeteria. We’re not far.” Wow! Why so defensive? Go have lunch already. Maybe it will help your disposition.

As an aside: sometimes, it’s just a question. Don’t be so freaking defensive. Maybe someone asked you a question for your benefit, not to question YOU per se. Get a grip.

Anyway, between the nurse practitioner and the EMTs, the day was becoming bleak and dreary. For them, though. For me? Whatever. I had many more hours to go before my shift was over so I couldn’t let those negative people ruin my day. They have bigger issues. I had Hawaiian barbecue dinner to look forward to. Yummy!

Stay away from grumpy and negative people. They are toxic and contagious.

 

Comments

[Big Dave]

You are totaly right.I get pepole telling me why I so happy and sing when I am at work .I tell them life is to short to be grumpy, besides nobody is going to listen any way.Keep up the positive attitude.

Love your padawan David G. LPN

[Ruthie]

Big Dave!!! Of course. You know me!!! Remember me at 6 am just before clinicals? Happy Day!