So, I want to tell you about something that happened at work the other day. It was one of those small things that just sticks with you, you know?
We were in a team meeting, and I was sharing an idea I was really excited about. I had spent a lot of time thinking it through. I was halfway through explaining it when this person on my team just let out this really loud, exaggerated sigh.
I tried to ignore it and kept talking. But then they started. They leaned back in their chair, looked around the room, and said in this super sarcastic voice, “Wow, someone’s been drinking the creative juice this morning. That’s… a lot of words for a very simple concept.”
My face got instantly hot. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me. I just sort of mumbled, “Well, I think it has potential,” and tried to finish, but my confidence was completely gone. My idea suddenly felt silly and complicated, just like they said.
The worst part was the little laugh they added afterwards, like it was all just a joke and I was being too sensitive for feeling hurt. The meeting moved on, but I couldn’t really focus on anything else.
It wasn’t a huge, dramatic scene, but it was one of those moments that just deflates you. It made me not want to share my ideas ever again. But you know what? I’m not going to let that happen. My ideas are good, and one snarky comment from someone isn’t going to change that. It just wasn’t a very nice feeling, that’s all.
