Right Time, Right Place

She was slouching over the writing desk, her nose dangerously closed to touching the paper as she diligently took down notes as the trainer droned on... I watched her; intrigued by her odd posture and wondered if it is due to severe myopia or simply a matter of habit. Of greater concern is if she realised the potential harm she might be causing herself in the long run. I decided to share my observation with D as she's a trained nurse. What I was not prepared for was she promptly whipped out her handphone and took a snapshot of Ms Slouch. D said she wanted to show her her 'blindspot'. I asked D if she was sure and she said she meant her well. During the teabreak, D took an opportunity to have a private word with Ms Slouch and showed her 'evidence' of her harmful posture. The young lady gave D a cursory look and said, "I do not wish to have this conversation" and walked off.

D was really upset. 'She thinks I'm a lesbian?" she fumed. I had to do some 'damage control' and explained to her the principle of 'right time, right place, right word'. That good intention alone is often not enough in certain context. A kind gesture done when the other party is not in a receiving mode will just fall flat. Thankfully, she calmed down after my counsel and expressed her gratitude. On hindsight, perhaps I should not have shared my thoughts too readily and should have restrained D from taking the snapshot. D just happens to be a spontaneous and outspoken person. Anyway, lesson learnt: the same concept also applies in relationships. As I told R: the right guy at the wrong time is still the wrong guy... This offers a possible reason to the question people ask: "How come he seemed so right for me and yet it didn't work out."

CT is featured in the papers again today. A silver Jaguar... wow... he must be doing really well! This learning point is just as applicable as it is now as it was then - right guy, wrong time.

Wake up!