Yesterday, a salesman called me to sell his phone plans. I was at work and while I usually don't like spending time on those things, I1myself that I couldn't talk yet and2that he call me back at 6 pm.
That's what he did. So we talked about 20 minutes. He3to me his different phone plans. While listening to him, sometimes I was4in my thoughts. I gave several "hmm hmm", as a sign of agreement and to5that I was still there. Sometimes, I felt a bit6. But I stayed calm and7until the end of the discussion.
Finally, he said the following to me: "Thank you, Olivier. You are the first person in a long time with whom I had an enjoyable conversation.8, people shout at us and slam down the phone. Today, since 10 am, I hadn't had a phone9without an offense (触怒). I know you had a long day at work and you could have10in front of your TV. But you listened so carefully to me. I am11and I sincerely thank you. "
It set me thinking. He had been the12of verbal violence (语言暴力) all through his working day. Physical13do not exist in this situation but dehumanization (非人性) seems to happen.14, he was only doing his job. I felt a sense of15that I hadn't treated him so rudely.