Yesterday, I let my ego lead

I felt disrespected by the manager of a restaurant. Her tone, her handling of the situation—I found it rude, even belittling. And my ego kicked in. I lashed out.

I walked out angry. But once I caught my breath, I saw it all more clearly. Yes, she didn’t do well. But I could also see her side. And more importantly, I saw mine. I had responded poorly. I had been rude. That part was on me.

So I went back. She wasn’t around, but I told the junior staff—some of whom had witnessed it—that I came to apologize. Then I left a handwritten note for her and left.

Today, I find myself asking: how do I stop that from happening again? Why was I so caught off guard—so disappointed—that I reacted like that?

Then I remembered something I once read from Ryan Holiday. Paraphrased as I recall it:

Begin each day with this expectation: you will encounter rudeness, selfishness, even disrespect. Not because the world is out to get you, but because people are stressed, flawed, and human—just like you. Accept this in advance. Offer them your grace anyway. That way, when it happens, you're steady. Not shocked. Not pulled out of character. And if someone surprises you with kindness or great conduct? That’s a gift to be grateful for, not something you expect 'of course'.

I wish I remembered this yesterday.