Sincere Apologies

Because there is so much negativity in our world, it is so refreshing when you experience a positive interaction. I was involved in 2 different situations within the last month, which turned out to be very uplifting.

 

The first interaction happened with my car. I was pulling out of my driveway when a black van came barreling around the corner and almost hit my car. Then she had  the nerve to follow me too closely. I was so frustrated I pulled along the shoulder of the road as she went flying by.

 

Unexpectedly, I received a letter in my mailbox the  next day which said, "To whom it may concern:

I am writing in regards to the offensive driving while you were pulling out of your driveway. I was the driver of the black van who followed you closely. 

 

I am sorry. I should have been more careful. I apologize for my thoughtlessness. I will try to be more careful. I realized later how ugly it was. I was paying more attention to my wailing 5 month old baby in his car seat than to how fast and close I was following the vehicle ahead of me. 

 

It is not the other driver's fault that my baby does not like his car seat. I will be glad if you accept my sincere apologies.

 

I wish you a happy day."

 

Then she signed the letter. I was shocked and so impressed to receive a letter like this. 

 

The second interaction happened with a buyer from Facebook Marketplace.  

I've been selling on marketplace for about 2 years. In most cases, I've had positive experiences,  but also some negative ones. The most common negative interaction  I have experienced is when someone sends you a message stating he/she is interested in buying one of your items. What happens next is there is no further communication. So, the seller is in limbo whether the buyer is still interested. It's like he/she just disappeared. 

 

Then, there are people who agree to a sale. A time and place is set up, but they don't show up. I sit there and wait but no message saying they are not coming. Really, it takes only a few minutes to communicate what is happening.

 

Recently,  I was so thrilled when I  experienced a very positive sale. This man sent me a message saying he is interested in purchasing a popcorn popper. I arranged a meeting place and time. The night before the meeting, I messaged him to make sure the deal was still on for the next day. 

 

He sent me a message saying he will be there. The man didn't show up. I thought ,"Here I go again."

 

 

In the early afternoon, he messaged me saying, "I apologize for not showing up, but I overslept.  I'm still interested in purchasing the popcorn popper. "

 

I set up another meeting, the same place and time.  He arrived there and was on time.  When he proceeded to pay, he handed me a $20.00.  The popcorn popper was only listed for $8.00.

 

I said,"I don't have any change."

 

What surprised me was his response. 

 

He said "Keep the $20.00.  I left you hanging and I'm sorry. "

 

I said, " It is only $8.00." 

 

He insisted then said,  "Please  take the $20.00," so I decided to take it.

 

Later in the day he messaged me "It was a pleasure meeting you."

 

Since I have been selling on facebook, I have never had an interaction with such a sincere person. Both situations were negative in the beginning but the results turned out positive.  It was like a breath of fresh air and these  interactions proved to me there are still good people in the world who care about others.