Yesterday, something happened that reminded me just how much power there is in choosing kindness when the easy option would be to lash out. It started in the most ordinary way—behind the wheel of my car.

I cut someone off in traffic.

It wasn’t intentional. I wasn’t distracted by my phone or being reckless. It was simply a miscalculation—something that could happen to any driver. Still, the consequences were the same. A horn blared behind me, long and angry, and I instantly knew I had upset the man driving the other car.

I cringed at myself. That was careless, Connie.

The Parking Lot Showdown

I thought that would be the end of it, just another tense moment on the road, until I noticed we were both turning into the same store parking lot. My pulse quickened. Great. This wasn’t over.

Sure enough, the man made a point of standing right in front of his car as I drove past, searching for a spot. He wanted me to see him. His middle finger shot up into the air, and his mouth moved furiously as he yelled things I didn’t even need to hear clearly to know they weren’t nice.

I had a choice. I could ignore him, keep driving, and carry that knot of tension with me all day. Or I could stop.

I stopped.

I put my car in reverse, rolled down my window, and looked at him. He didn’t hold back. “LEARN HOW TO DRIVE, FOR #%#! SAKE!” he shouted. And honestly, that was one of the cleaner things he said.

Meeting Anger with Calm

When he finally paused, I spoke. Not defensively. Not sarcastically. Calmly. The same way I’ve had to learn to speak during hard times at home.

“You have every right to be mad,” I said. “I cut you off, and I’m really sorry. I’m usually a good driver, but that was a stupid mistake, and I’m sorry for putting us both at risk.”

He looked stunned, like he didn’t expect me to admit fault. Like he was bracing for me to yell back, escalate things, and turn the parking lot into a battlefield of pride.

Before he could respond, I added, “Thanks for being quick and saving both of us today with your good reflexes.”

That landed. His body language shifted. His shoulders softened just slightly. He grumbled something like, “Geez… just be careful,” but the edge in his voice had dulled. For a moment, it seemed like he didn’t quite know how to process kindness when he had geared up for a fight.

A Change of Heart

I thought that would be the end of it. A strange, tense encounter with a somewhat softer ending than expected. But later, while I was in the store, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

It was him.

Gone was the anger in his eyes. Gone was the raised voice and clenched jaw. Instead, he looked almost sheepish.

“You apologized to me,” he began, “but I owe you an apology, too. I had a rough morning, bad news at work. Thank you for reminding me that everyone makes mistakes, including me. I shouldn’t have yelled or called you names. I’m really sorry.”

I smiled at him. “Thank you,” I said simply.

He smiled back. We both told each other to have a nice day. And the amazing part is—we both actually meant it.

What I Learned

Driving away later, I reflected on the whole thing. Honestly, it was a little scary for me in the moment. But not in the way you’d think. It wasn’t his shouting or his anger that shook me—it was the realization that I had the power to steer this encounter in a completely different direction.

I’ve learned from my son that everything in life can teach us something, if we’re willing to pay attention. Yesterday taught me that surprises don’t have to be disasters, and anger doesn’t have to be met with anger. Sometimes, if we slow down, breathe, and choose our words carefully, we give people the space to step out of their own frustration and show us a better version of themselves.

That man was hurting. His anger at me wasn’t just about being cut off—it was about the rough morning he’d had, the bad news he’d received, the frustrations that had nothing to do with me. I just happened to be the spark that lit the fire. But when I owned my mistake and thanked him instead of attacking back, it gave him permission to lower his guard.

And in the end, we both walked away lighter.

Why It Matters

This wasn’t about driving. It wasn’t about who was right or wrong. It was about connection. It was about seeing each other as human beings instead of opponents.

It struck me later how rare this is in the world today. We live in a time where outrage is quick, apologies are scarce, and everyone seems ready to prove a point rather than make peace. But peace—real peace—feels better.

We both stepped out of our comfort zones that day. I had to swallow my pride and admit my mistake. He had to swallow his pride and admit his overreaction. And somewhere in the middle, we found common ground.

A Simple Truth

In the end, the lesson is simple:

Mistakes happen. Tempers flare. But kindness disarms.

I went into that store expecting hostility. I left with a smile and a reminder that people—even strangers yelling in a parking lot—are capable of change when given a chance.

And it all started with three words: “I am sorry.”

Sometimes, that’s all it takes to turn anger into understanding, strangers into allies, and a ruined morning into a better day—for both of us.