How NOT to Handle a Bad Situation

So, let’s say you’re taking a trip on a train. The trip is an overnight one, and you’re hoping to get some sleep.

You step onto the train car and are immediately hit with a foul odor. Others are commenting on it. Eventually, everyone realizes there is SOMETHING wrong with the car’s bathroom. ICK!

The employees don’t tell you much…until the shift change. The new crew is upset over being left this situation. They apologize profusely to everyone…and reluctantly admit not much can be done until the train reaches a station where there are pumps. They offer to find new seats for those who absolutely can’t stay put (but noting there are limited seats available)…and also offer the dining/lounge car as a place to get away.

You are pretty upset, of course. What is your chosen course of action now?

A) Grumble and whine a bit, but deal with the situation as best you can, and make plans to call and complain as soon as you get home.

B) Request a new seat and/or go to the dining car

C) Begin an extended bitching campaign, complaining every 30 minutes to any person you can get to pay attention to you. Stop employees every time they come by and raise hell. When no one will pay attention, call relatives and friends on your cell phone and give them all the details in frank, four-letter-word detail. Prevent anyone within the sound of your voice from getting ANY KIND OF SLEEP AT ALL, knowing that the only thing keeping the crew and passengers from attacking you is your daughter sleeping in your lap.

Um…can someone…anyone…explain what good “C” does at all? My husband and I had to make a 2-hour drive, at 2am, with NO SLEEP thanks to this bitch.

Please remember people…in a situation like the above, everyone around you is in the same boat. Have some courtesy. Do your complaining to the management…LATER!!!!

(Oh, and by the way — I had a wonderful vacation, until this happened!!!)