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Old 12-28-2005, 09:54 PM   #4
crbateman
 
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Location: Orlando, FL
Join Date: Apr 2004
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Re: Have you been here?

Paula, sometimes you have to step back from the forest to look at the trees. Perhaps you have indeed been making allowances for this person's less-than-ideal demeanor, but isn't that part of the conciliatory nature of Aikido? It's probably also the only way you will ever be able to help this person. Throwing him/her under the bus certainly won't do it. I recommend that you worry less about the other person, and more about your own reaction, since this is the easier thing for you to affect positively. Don't let your frustration get the best of you. You are better than all that, and your classmates are worthy of your level-headed best. Osu.

Rupert, I have experienced that same awkward moment at bowing time, and I have never regretted my eventual decision to just bow when the time comes, and get it over with, and let the other guy worry about the semantics. I can't see how I could offend by bowing early and often. YMMV, but it works for me.
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