Cantankerous

 Monday nights I teach water aerobics at the Y.   This is not a twinges-in-the-hinges old people class, but I do have a few old people attendees.  I also have some big tough guys with knee issues, etc.  Anyway, I finally talked one of my workout buddy's to try to the class.  She loved it, and so did her 11-year-old son who joined us.  However, without me realizing it, the moment he jumped into the pool one of my oldies got huffy.  Forty-five minutes into the class I noticed that she was extra huffy - sighing and trying to get my attention.  I walked over and asked her if everything was okay and she exploded, "I didn't realize children were aloud in adult exercise classes!!!"  yelling, spitting, etc.  I calmly replied, "These classes are open to families and if he's participating with his mom it's fine.  Is he bothering you?"  More sputtering, "Well I just assumed this was an adult class!"  Still yelling at me and shaking.  I said, "As long as he's participating, he's fine."  And I went back to teaching the class.  She continued to simmer beyond a rolling boil and proceeded to pick up her styrofoam weights and throw them at me!  Yes, she did.  I was shocked.  I almost laughed, but contained myself.  Instead, I smiled and said, "I see that you are angry and you are welcome to fill out a comment card at the front desk."  Sputtering and splashing and working her 4 ft frame along the edge of the pool to the ladder she continued to yell, "Oh, I will!  Oh, I will!!!"  

I was so flustered.  I work hard to provide a pleasant class atmosphere.  I tell stories about my kids, I learn about my class attendees and remember their names and ask them about specifics in their lives.  I try to really care.  And I have NEVER been yelled at.  From that night on I am committed to becoming a sweet old lady.