The Unexpected Perks of Overconfidence
At 25, I was known among my friends for my unmatched confidence, often bordering on entitlement. I always expected special treatment, believing the world revolved around my needs and desires.
One sunny afternoon, I walked into a popular café, brimming with self-assurance. The café was crowded, but I confidently strode to the front of the line, ignoring the grumbles and glares from those waiting. With a charming smile, I addressed the barista, “I’ll have a triple-shot caramel macchiato, extra hot, with a dash of cinnamon.”
The barista, a seasoned professional in handling difficult customers, politely asked me to step back in line. “We serve on a first-come, first-served basis here.”
Unfazed, I replied, “Do you know who I am? I have over 10,000 followers on Instagram. A little shout-out could do wonders for your café.”
The barista, suppressing a laugh, nodded and continued serving the next customer. Feeling slighted, I huffed and decided to take a seat, muttering about poor customer service.
Moments later, an older gentleman approached my table. “Young person,” he said, “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation. Let me share a story from my youth. I once had the same sense of entitlement, thinking the world owed me something. One day, I cut in line at a concert, only to be escorted out by security. It was embarrassing, but it taught me a valuable lesson about respect and humility.”
I listened, somewhat reluctantly, but the story resonated. As the gentleman walked away, I pondered over the incident, realizing the folly in expecting special treatment without earning it.
The following day, I returned to the café, this time waiting patiently in line. When it was my turn, I smiled at the barista and said, “I’ll have a regular coffee, please. And sorry about yesterday.”
The barista smiled back, appreciating the change in attitude. “No problem. It happens.”
From that day forward, I adopted a more humble approach, understanding that respect and kindness go a long way. Friends noticed the change, often teasing me about my ‘entitlement rehab.’ We shared a lot of laughs, but everyone agreed that I had grown for the better.
Lesson Learned:
Entitlement and overconfidence may seem like they open doors, but they often lead to unintended consequences. Respect and humility, on the other hand, foster positive reactions and genuine connections.
