The Last Word

A woman worked at a country store that I visited frequently.  She did something a little strange every time I was leaving the store but I didn't quite know what because it was so subtle.  Finally, I knew.  Every time I said anything whatsoever, she had to have the last word.  She had a strong commitment to this. So I played the game of fighting to have the last word.  It became a competition, in my mind, of which she probably never knew.  One time I unexpectedly raced out the door so she missed the chance.  She looked so sad, bereft. I stopped "fighting" her.  It just wasn't worth it.  I made a conscious supreme effort to not only keep my mouth shut.  I made sure I spent time in departing so she had the last word.  After all, just how important was it?

Part of my recovery is to "cease fighting everything and everybody."  Others can have the last word.  I've learned to say "okay".  It doesn't necessarily mean I agree with their opinion as much as I agree they have a right to their opinion.