So how do you react to completely unsolicited advice? That
too from a stranger and on a topic such as ‘weight loss’ ??!!
I mean there are instances where you cannot fully respond or
counter. And the situation is totally hilarious.
OK – the details. Living in Pune, we have a few places you
can take your kid just for fun – like in a big garden. I go to Sarasbag with
family. I avoid the weekends when there are more crowds and dirt & dust.
There are two motives – you get to see & worship –
Ganapati and second is you can roam in the garden. You can also enjoy snacks nearby. I also use
the weighing machines there, attended by some rural elderly folks. Generally I
check my weight on two-three such machines. (I also check weight at my family
doctor’s clinic, otherwise.)
You pay a coin of two rupees – you know – to glance at your
woes! – I mean ‘the weight’ in kg.
So when I went there recently, I did not expect that visit
would turn out to be remarkable.
After Ganapati darshan & walk in the garden, I
habitually went to check my weight on a weighing machine. There was a very old guy
attending that machine. I checked it and saw my weight.
And!! Out of the blue – suddenly that guy said – ‘You don’t look
like a typical fatty guy – but the weight is on the higher side. Better, you
take care. You should walk around the garden like the other folks in the mornings
to reduce your weight. You generation works hard to earn money and then spend
it on medical purposes – health completely ignored.’
He was so genuine & thoughtful. He stopped
after a couple of minutes.
I was so stunned and surprised. My wife and daughter started
laughing. I didn’t know how to react. I mean, this talk was not really expected.
Almost as a rule, I don’t pay much attention to advice by
others, leave alone counsel by a stranger. Conversely I don’t try to preach and
give lecture to others. I don’t get angry or agitated easily, either.
But I just smiled at this one!
