Question: I thought this stuff only happened on YouTube until the guy seated next to me on the plane fell asleep and began to snore loudly. I was trapped in a window seat on a two-hour flight. Why did I let this happen to me?
Answer: I am going to one up your experience: I, too, was trapped in a window seat on a small plane into Aspen when the guy seated next to me slumped over onto my lap! He was in the midst of a heart “incident,” I was told by his physician who occupied the aisle seat across from his “patient.” I could have stayed seated, but I jumped over the seat—and the doctor went to work. I was as much the center of attention for my athletic prowess as was the doctor performing CPR.
So, when you ask, “Why did I stay seated next to a snorer?” consider the following:
- What kept you from pressing the button for the flight attendant?
- Do you worry about being embarrassed? What others might think about
you? - How often do you “sacrifice” your personal needs so that you are not a burden or a bother?
- When you’re uncomfortable in a meeting or a professional encounter, do you ignore or downplay your feelings?
- Do you describe yourself as “self conscious” and worry that all eyes are on you?
Note: Remember that when you are feeling embarrassed, you are pointing a finger at yourself—the attention is on you. You have a choice: be alert and be mindful. I have discovered that what we tolerate or accept in our day-to-day experiences often reflects not only what we value but also how we value ourselves.