Spot the pig

A man and a woman were arguing in a Metro bus one morning as I headed to work, I was seated at the back, they were closer to the exit. Most of the other seats were occupied.

Soon, civility flew out the window as they turned to insults. This seemed to amuse a majority of the passengers. I could see people snickering or exchanging looks and smirking.

What kind of person airs their dirty line in public…? I wondered.

Eventually, the insults became derogatory and gender offensive.

At this point, all other conversation in the bus ceased as we, the innocent bystanders, started to get bruised by their words. The men, by the woman’s words and vice versa.  Even so, neither was backing down.

This situation happens more often that we think.

I have also been in an uncomfortable argument more than once in my life. Why didn’t I stop?  Well, I always assumed, that both parties would be equally affected.

Recently, I watched a debate on TV between two professionals. The situation rapidly deteriorated when one of the guests became decidedly more vulgar and took to personal attacks….

Later on, while discussion all three incidents with my colleagues, a quote was mentioned that I found very appropriate.

Don’t wrestle with a pig in the mud. You will both get dirty but the pig will enjoy it! 

So, my new motto is, if I can’t spot the pigs, I will not go near the mud.

Good lesson, don’t you think?