There are times (probably too few) when there is too much understanding in the world, but generally, the world could use a lot more understanding.  Due to some personal stupidity back in February, my Navigator needs some minor body work. (Note to smug self, always, always memorize your door code immediately upon receipt of vehicle — don’t casually look at it because you might need it some day, think, it’s pretty easy, then never use it, which ensures you will forget it when you really need it.)  I stopped at my dealer’s body shop last week to get an estimate.  I imagined dropping it off this morning and getting the work done today.  After all, it took me less than fifteen minutes to scratch up the paint and slash the weather-stripping.  The repair shouldn’t take more than a day, right?  Wrong.

The estimator guy, buried in paperwork, finally got to us after a brief delay.  Showing him the work, he said it would be at least a three-day job (to make it look like it never even happened).  Okay.  We’re going to be out-of-town for three weeks in May, will that work for you.  Sure. No problem.  We’re happy with that.  His printer is down, and we have another appointment we’re supposed to be at, so we left him and agreed to call the next day for the estimate and went on our merry way.

I forgot to call the next day, so I called in the morning on Friday.  He was with a customer.  I left a message.  I hadn’t heard from him, so I called back later in the day.  He was on the phone.  I left another message.  Still no call back.  Not a serious deal, but I was mildly annoyed.  I wanted the information.

I was grumbling to hubby who listened patiently.  I was trying to decide who to complain to about this guy not handling things in a timely manner and wondering if someone else would do it better.  My husband has dealt with this body shop a couple of times before, and finally he explained, patiently, “This guy is the best they have.  The reason he’s not getting back with you promptly is because he’s the only one who does anything.”  I nodded.  So complaining about the best guy there and making his life even tougher isn’t going to help the problem.  In fact, it will make it even worse. I developed some understanding at this point.  Yes, I’ve seen those situations before and sometimes (usually not for long periods of time), I’ve been in them, so I could extend a little patience, because, really, it’s not a big deal.

I stopped in this morning, got the estimate (about what I expected it would be), and confirmed when I’d drop it off.  I hope they get this guy some useful help soon.  I know hubby has always been pleased with body shop’s work quality.  I’m sure everything will work out just fine.

What have you experienced lately where a little understanding would have gone a long way?