I read an interesting article today, which said that most heart attacks world over are caused to people due to suffering idiots! It’s true, as per the article – if you have a particularly distressing conversation or confrontation with an idiot who screws up, chances are, you would be increasing your heart risk. The study, conducted by the medical college at University of Colorado (citation needed, the article was in print, so very sorry, don’t know the source) says that 83% of their study sample of 1500 people suffered from strokes within 48 hours of having a lousy experience with a person with less mental capacity from work/social circles etc. I don’t quite know what to make out of this news. I am often told that I have very little tolerance for people who aren’t my kind or those who share a point of view different from mine. I say bullshit. In what broader perspectives should I endure idiots..picture this:
A call to the Vodafone call centre after by phone was barred for the umpteenth time:
Me, sounding thoroughly harassed “Hello, my outgoing has been barred again, I need it corrected immediately. I have to make an urgent call”
The call centre executive “We are very sorry for the inconvenience ma’am, for security reasons, can you give us your number and name”
Me, irritated “Since you have made me dial my number some 10 times before reaching you through that stupid IVR, cant you figure that out?”
She, again in the irritatingly soft tone “Still ma’am, for security reasons you have to give your number again”
Pissed now “Fine 9*********, *****”
She “And now, can you tell us your mothers maiden name ma’am, for security reasons?”
Counting to 3, I reply “*****”
“And your rental postpaid plan ma’am?”
Me “Look, are you going to come to the point?”
She: “Last question ma’am”
Me: “So-so rental scheme”
She “Thank you for the details ma’am. Ma’am, we are very sorry for the inconvenience faced by you ma’am. For the solution to the problem, we suggest you visit the nearest Care Centre and they will be able to assist you”
Me, thoroughly confused now “Wait, so you are telling me you won’t be doing a thing about this problem”
She “Ma’am, to find the solution, you will have to visit the nearest care centre”
Me, totally losing it now “So, why did you ask me all those stupid questions?”
She: “Ma’am, that is for security reasons”
Me: “What kind of security, you didn’t tell me anything?”
She, confused I think, pausing “Ma’am, we have to confirm the identity for security..”
I hung up…