Free Swipe Day

I have a plan. If it's properly implemented, I think it will both reduce stress and raise awareness; sounds fabulous, no?

So this is my vision.

We pick a day, any day, and deem it National Idiot Awareness, Acknowledgment and Apology Day, aka Free Swipe Day, aka Din't Yore Mama Larn You No Manners? Day.

Here's how it works.

On this one day, any time you see someone do something stupid and/or inconsiderate, you are allowed to call them out on it; you can smack them upside the head with no repercussions. The person must then acknowledge that they behaved in an idiotic way and apologize. They are not allowed to retaliate.

Ripe targets for smacking might include:

• People who stand directly in front of the elevator door waiting to get on, but won't move to let you off
• People who run a full grocery cart in the Express lane
• People who wait until every last grocery bag is in their cart before they even get out their checkbook
• Cashiers who can't do math
  
• People who take up more than one parking space
• People who don't use their turn signals
• People who think using their turn signals gives them the right to cut off four lanes of traffic to catch the exit they technically already missed
• People who drive hummers
• People who don't pick up their dogs' crap
• People who litter
• People who own a Britney Spears CD
• People who don't tip
• People who complain about their weight then order the most fattening thing on the menu
  

Now think about this for a moment - how much better would you feel if you could immediately address idiocy when it confronts you, knowing you will receive an apology? I can feel my blood pressure dropping already! And that person you smacked? Why it just might be the first time they've ever owned up to their self-centered and inconsiderate nature - what an opportunity for growth!

I'm telling you it would be a real win-win!