Being THAT person

legaljen1969

After a rough time with new building tenants (new owner), I have been asking for key to the equipment room to be returned for almost a week. I am asst. to the building manager. My supervisor was on my tail to get it back so I was being very persistent. Yesterday, the person who had the key emailed me and asked if I could just give her another day because she was at the hospital with her son while he was having chemotherapy. I felt about two inches tall. I told her not to think about it any more and I would handle it some other way.
I told her I knew just how insignificant a key is when you or a family member is fighting cancer and explained that I know first hand how awful it is to be pestered when cancer zooms in and takes over your life.
I cannot believe I was the person not letting go of a stupid issue. I didn't know her son had cancer, but I do know how upsetting it can be when you are fighting and people ask for stupid stuff. What a messy day. Glad I now know what's up.

MarcieB

The key point here is; you DID'NT KNOW. If you had known, and persisted, then you would be THAT person. You were simply being a person who was doing her job. Actually, this could turn into a blessing for everyone because now you know and you can be sensitive to her and what she is going through. What you have discovered is a place where you may have the opportunity to help and comfort someone. Things have a way of working like that. ;-)

Bug

MarcieB said it perfectly.

andreacha

I, too, agree with MarcieB and Bug. Don't beat yourself up over it. You were only doing your job.

Carool

I agree with MarcieB, Bug, and andreacha. And it’s not “stupid stuff.” Your manager does need that key.

fiddler

@legaljen1969
After all my hassles in long life, I figured out a theory (yet to be put into practice in 99% of cases - habits, i.e., reactions, are difficult to change).

Walk away from it and change the lock - and make extra keys.