A couple of weeks ago, I had one of those quintessential Chicago mornings: freezing cold and craving coffee. My go-to spot for coffee is Beacon Donuts, a cute ass walk-up window tucked away in an alley on Halsted and Armitage. It’s a hidden gem—a small window with big flavors—and usually, I’m in and out in a jiffy. I never get donuts, just a black drip coffee. Das it.
But not that day.
It was bitterly cold, the kind of cold that makes your breath hang in the air and your fingers ache through gloves, fucking freezing. As I walked up to the window, I noticed there was a woman ahead of me. No big deal, I thought—until she started yapping her life away.
"Can you tell me about all of your specials today?" she asked the very nice donut teller, her voice as casual as if she were lounging on a sunny patio. The menu was literally right in front of her face, like be fucking forreal girl.
The teller, red-faced and visibly shivering, kindly went through the specials. But the woman wasn’t done. "What about your donut flavors for the day?" she asked next, completely ignoring the detailed menu right at eye level.
At this point, I was behind her, making exaggerated gestures to show my discomfort. I even let out a loud, "WOW, IT’S SO COLD!" hoping she’d get the hint. She looked back at me—completely unbothered—and continued her leisurely conversation.
The donut teller’s hands were shaking from the cold, and I could not feel my body any longer. The woman’s lack of self-awareness and consideration for others was astonishing. It wasn’t just inconsiderate; it was a complete disregard for the fact that other people were freezing their asses off.
When she finally wrapped up her impromptu donut consultation, I hurried to the window. My hands were so frozen I could barely dig my wallet out of my purse. By the time I got my coffee, I wasn’t just cold—I was irritated AF.
Why Can’t People Be Considerate?
This little episode made me think about how people’s self-awareness, or lack thereof, affects others. It’s not just about being unaware; it’s about not caring. That woman clearly prioritized her own comfort and curiosity over the freezing teller and the freezing customer behind her.
I’ve always tried to be mindful of how I move through the world, whether it’s holding a door open for someone or making sure I’m not blocking a busy aisle. I’m constantly asking myself, "Am I inconveniencing someone?" Yet, moments like this make me realize that not everyone operates that way.
Takeaways
It’s not hard to be considerate. Sometimes it’s as simple as reading a menu instead of making someone recite it in the freezing cold. Other times, it’s being aware of the people around you and the impact your actions might have on them. We’re all navigating this world together, and a little kindness and awareness can go a long way—especially on a frigid Chicago morning.
