Small Second Chances

February 8, 2026

I hesitated. The front desk attendant noticed, so she asked again, “Would you like an appointment with this doctor, or do you want someone else?” The thing was, I wanted someone else. My first interaction with this individual wasn’t bad per se, but it didn’t leave me very inspired. But I hesitated. I showed my cards, and now I had to decide if I was going to be nice or lie. So I lied and said yes, I would take the appointment.

Why do we do this? Well, let me clarify. Why do some of us do this? Is empathy at the top of your skills list? Are you constantly evaluating the emotional state of others? Do you analyze what people say, all the while searching for encouraging things to counter with? Do you want to be considered thoughtful and patient, a good listener?

I’m stuck with all these sometimes frustrating attributes, which means I get bad customer service. I don’t like to send my food back. The order was wrong - I’m sure the waiter was slammed. That person cut me off on the way to work - I bet they had an argument with their spouse and were distracted. I can imagine almost any legitimate excuse for the annoying behaviors found in others.

Although, there are times when I wish I was more rude. I can see how selfish actions could result in things moving faster. Just because you don’t complain doesn’t mean you don’t want to. And just like myself, other people are not always at their best. They are disinterested when listening to you explain an issue at the front desk. They seem put off that you entered the place of business they chose as an employer. I try hard to see the best in others, but I’m not immune to the effects of someone being a butt.

Which made that particular moment with the receptionist fascinating. If there is ever a time to think of yourself first, it’s with health. You have to be honest if you are going to get the best results. When my first experience with this doctor left a bad taste in my mouth, it seemed perfectly reasonable to look for the services of another. Only that other large part of my programming that believes in the best of everyone wanted to give this guy another chance. What if I had really just seen him on a legitimate off day?

To be honest, I didn’t think my opinion was going to change. I said yes to the appointment more out of being put on the spot than a calculated evaluation based on my belief in humanity. So I sat, waiting on that long piece of white butcher paper they still make us sit on. Crinkle crackle - it’s just so loud and uncomfortable. I had practiced my specific questions a couple of times, so that I didn’t forget anything. I was at least going to get some answers.

Then it happened. My faith was refreshed, because this doctor was all the things he wasn’t the first time I met him. He listened with warmth and friendliness. He cracked a couple jokes, and gave straight answers. The only slightly awkward moment was at the end, when he simply walked out the door without saying goodbye. He asked if I had any questions, then exited stage right so quickly that I actually stood in the room for a good 60 seconds, wondering if he was coming back. In the end, I love these awkward little moments, so the appointment only got better by ending on that note.

My encouragement to you is this: give people a second chance. With big things, and insignificant nothings. Give friends, coworkers, and that lady standing in front of you at the grocery store the benefit of the doubt when things get weird. There is nothing better than other people proving they care just as much as you.