Today as I walked from the library where I conduct my creative writing classes to the auto rickshaw stand, I saw an old couple and a younger woman talking on the footpath. Judging by their body language they were either neighbours or close acquaintances; not family though. That kind of closeness was missing.
They were speaking loud enough for me to hear.
“We go to Dr.A.”, said the elderly gentleman.
“Oh!” said the younger woman, who I guessed to be in her 40s. “Why don’t you go to Dr. B. He is at XYZ hospital.”
“We are perfectly comfortable with our present doctor and satisfied with his treatment.”
“But you must visit Dr. B once. He is really very good.”
“So is our doctor”, said the old man a trifle impatiently.
With that they were no longer in my hearing zone and I went on my way pondering the innumerable times I have had similar conversations in my life.
How many times have well meaning friends and relatives tried to tell me that every other doctor is better than mine; every other home remedy is better than the ones I use; every other place is better to shop at than the one I patronize; every other author is better than my favourite one.
Why do we always try to force an opinion down people’s throats even if we are aware that it makes them uncomfortable?
Why do we need everyone to fit in “our” boxes? Why don’t we like it when other people’s boxes are of a different shape and dimension to ours? Why do we need them to come into our comfort zone even if it means that they have to leave their own?
Is it because we are afraid of them being different from us or because we are scared to be different from them?
What do you think? Do share your thoughts in the comment section.
This post was written in response to the prompt, “Write about an interesting conversation you overheard recently” for Friday Reflections
Friday Reflections is a link up hosted by Shalini at KohlEyed Me and Corinne at Everyday Gyaan.
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Prompts for 5th January 2018 – choose any one:
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Write about an interesting conversation you overheard recently.
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“As long as you feel like a victim, you are one.” – Morgan Freeman
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Picture prompt – credit (Corinne Rodrigues)