At JFK, I witnessed a woman loudly FaceTiming without headphones while her small dog relieved itself right in the terminal.

As I observed Darcy and Pablo vanish into the bustling streets of Rome, a faint, persistent thought began to occupy my mind.

Was her severity truly just anxiety and fatigue? Or was there an underlying narrative she wasn’t ready to disclose, a hidden injury she fiercely protected behind her resilient facade?

Occasionally, the individuals who push us away the most are the ones who are desperately seeking connection, even if they don’t express it openly. Perhaps, just possibly, that’s why being next to her felt so significant—not only for her, but for me as well. 

At JFK airport, I noticed a woman talking on the phone without using headphones, while her small dog was relieving itself in the middle of the terminal.

When a gentleman kindly pointed out the untidiness, she glared at him and retorted,’some people are so incredibly rude,’ before walking away, leaving the mess unattended. It wasn’t the first time she’d left a mess — she’d already done so twice since check-in. 

She displayed impolite behavior towards TSA agents, exhibited impatience with a barista, and allowed her dog to disturb those around her. The airport staff attempted to engage with her, but she brushed them off, behaving as if she were the ruler of the airport. 

By the time I reached my gate — the flight to Rome — she was there again. 

The crowd was exhausted. Not from travel, but from dealing with her. 

After enduring hours of shouting into the video call, playing loud music without headphones, and allowing her dog to bark at passersby, the entire airport became irritated. Every time she spoke, there was a noticeable collective eye-roll from everyone in the room. 

As she settled into her seat at the gate, individuals either shifted to the other side or maintained a quiet expectation that she wouldn’t be occupying their row. Some people whispered nervously, ‘are they really on this flight?’ and looked around anxiously. 

Nobody chose to interact with her — except for me. 

I peacefully positioned myself beside her, grinning. I already knew what I intended to do.

I tend to avoid conflict. I’m the type to apologize if someone accidentally collides with me. However, this woman, who I later discovered was named darcy, was causing a disturbance and spoiling everyone’s day. Not only with noise and mess, but with her entitled demeanor, treating people as if they were beneath her. I was exasperated. 

So, I asked, “Are you heading to Rome too?” 

She agreed without glancing at her device. ‘yes. For commercial. 

A pup near the infant made a loud noise. She remained completely unresponsive. 

‘Oh, cool,’ I said I’m a behaviorist—mostly with dogs, but sometimes with people. 

She hesitated. ‘What is a behaviorist?’ 

‘well,’ I said with a smile, ‘I observe actions, patterns, and triggers, then help correct behavior It’s not uncommon to see how dogs and people react in similar ways. 

That intrigued her. She regarded me with a doubtful scowl. 

‘You’re saying I act like a dog?’

I chuckled. ‘not precisely. Your dog mirrors your personality. Dogs reflect our emotions—an anxious owner, an anxious canine. “The dog was very energetic and alert.” 

She became uneasy in her chair. 

I was not being arrogant — just calculated. 

While still focused on her phone, she exclaimed, ‘he’s a rescue.’ He’s touchy. 

‘most rescues are,’ i agreed 

Her brows knitted together. I could tell she was pondering it. Engaging her with curiosity, rather than judgment, was my initial approach. 

I retrieved a tiny dog treat from my bag, always ready for any situation, and kindly presented it to the dog. He eagerly seized it. 

‘What’s his name?’ 

‘pablo

‘hi, Pablo,’ I greeted him warmly. ‘You’re a good boy, huh?’ 

His tail began to wag, a sign of joy that he had not seen in hours. 

She blinked. ‘he’s not usually like this.’. 

‘Oh, I believe it,’ I said Today’s been.. Stressful, huh? 

She rolled her eyes.’more like irritating. “Everyone is acting as if I am the issue.” 

I nodded slowly, not arguing but giving her space. 

‘people can be very reactive,’ i said But you know what helps? Beginning with gentleness. Just like with dogs. Only harsh orders increase stress. “Calm, unwavering energy facilitates the convergence of people towards a state of tranquility.” 

She looked at me briefly. ‘you’re strange.’. 

I beamed. ‘yes, definitely.’ Pablo appears to enjoy it.

We boarded soon after. The flight attendant asked her politely to secure Pablo in his carrier until takeoff.

Normally, she probably would’ve snapped. But this time, she sighed and quietly complied, zipping Pablo in without fuss. The attendant looked at me like, ‘What just happened?’

I just shrugged.

Darcy sat next to me the entire flight. For the first hour, she scrolled through her phone silently—no FaceTime, no blasting music. Then, mid-flight, she surprised me.

‘You know\.. my ex used to say I bulldozed people. I told him I just don’t have time for sensitivity.’

I stayed quiet.

She went on, ‘But maybe he wasn’t totally wrong.’

She shared a bit about herself—a PR exec with a high-pressure job who hadn’t taken a vacation in five years. Pablo was a last-minute rescue adoption after a breakup.

‘Maybe I’m just tired,’ she muttered. ‘And angry. All the time.’

I looked at her softly. ‘you’re allowed to feel tired.’ However, if you make others cover the expenses, you’re not truly resting—you’re merely shifting the responsibility onto them. 

That resonated with me. 

She remained silent for the rest of the conversation. However, upon arrival, she graciously held the door open for an elderly couple, flashed a warm smile at the flight attendant, and effortlessly retrieved Pablo’s carrier without any fuss. 

Three days later, while enjoying a cup of espresso in trastevere, I noticed a familiar little dog confidently walking down the street. 

It was Pablo. 

Darcy trailed behind, more composed, strolling at a leisurely pace while keeping her phone safely stored. She noticed me and actually gestured. 

No audio chat. No shouting. A tranquil walk. 

Occasionally, individuals resort to aggression as a result of not having acquired alternative coping mechanisms. That doesn’t justify it—but it does make it relatable. 

Occasionally, instead of avoiding the most boisterous individual in the room, consider sitting next to them. You might astonish both of you. 

If this tale brought a smile to your face, kindly like and share it. You never know who might require a gentle reminder about kindness today. 

This experience made me realize that behind every challenging individual is a story, often shaped by stress, fatigue, and unfulfilled desires. Although their actions may disrupt our plans, approaching them with understanding and compassion—rather than criticism—can sometimes lead to a better understanding and positive change.

Rather than shying away from those who challenge us, a small act of kindness or a composed conversation can have a significant impact. After all, a little empathy can not only change others but also ourselves for the better.