Tonight, something happened that reminded me just how important it is to choose empathy — especially when it’s not easy.
While I was driving, I apparently upset another driver. I wasn’t speeding. I didn’t cut anyone off — at least not intentionally. But something I did triggered someone deeply. I didn’t even realize there was an issue until I pulled into a gas station and noticed a car following me closely.
As I got out, the driver pulled up and stepped out of his vehicle. He was visibly angry — voice raised, body tense, emotions flaring.
I stood still. My instincts told me to react defensively. But instead, I paused.
I calmly said,
“Hey, are you okay? Did I do something that upset you? If so, I’m really sorry. Is there anything I can do to help?”
That made him pause. For a second, it looked like he didn’t know how to respond. Then he shook his head angrily, muttered a few more harsh words, and stormed back to his car.
As he drove off, I simply said,
“Well… I hope you have a good rest of your day.”
And that was that. Or so I thought.
The Note I Didn’t Expect
About 45 minutes later, I was back in a school parking lot, heading to my truck. As I got closer, I noticed something stuck under the wiper blade.
It was a handwritten note.
I opened it, curious — maybe even a little nervous.
The note said:
“Sorry for how I acted earlier. I’ve had a rough day… no, a rough year. You didn’t deserve that. Thank you for staying calm. You reminded me that not everyone is out to fight back. Some people are kind. Thank you.”
I stood there in silence.
In a world where it’s so easy to react with anger, a moment of compassion had created a ripple effect. I didn’t lecture him. I didn’t match his energy. I just tried to understand.
And it mattered.
Everyone’s Fighting Battles You Don’t See
That note reminded me of something I often forget: You never know what someone is going through.
That person might be going through heartbreak, grief, financial pressure, mental illness… or just one of those days when everything feels heavy.
What if I had responded with aggression instead of curiosity?
What if I’d escalated instead of diffused?
Final Thoughts
We live in a time where rage is rewarded with attention. But empathy is what heals.
So, next time someone lashes out — on the road, in a store, online — try to take a breath.
Seek to understand. Not to react.
It might not change the world.
But it might just change someone’s day.
Maybe even their life.