By Mandy Feder —
After more than 20 years, I told him I was done. I no longer wanted to continue in this toxic relationship.
It”s just wrong.
I resolved to give up my doormat standing and made a conscious decision never to be lied to or cheated again.
The sooner I forget those three sequential initials, the better.
Last we spoke on the phone, I realized I didn”t even know if he was in the country.
When I finally got through to him and told him, I felt truly liberated.
I was actually jubilant. No regrets.
Of course he wanted to know, “why?”
“What can we do to make this work?” he asked me.
I responded flatly, “nothing, this is it.”
Sure, I had threatened to leave before, but sort of figured I would have the same experience with another.
So I reluctantly stayed for way too long, allowing myself to be talked out of it time and time again.
I told him my loyalty and understanding went unappreciated one too many times. All my attempts at communication fell on deaf ears.
The new guy was eager, excited and even showed up early. How refreshing is that?
It could be the honeymoon phase, but at least we”re off to a good start.
This was one I might be able to introduce to family and friends.
I was embarrassed at the end, to even associate with the former scoundrel.
When all was said and done, all my communications were vastly improved.
That”s right, I finally got new Internet and telephone service.
I have spent a ridiculous amount of time, money and energy to have a company I always paid early or on time, continuously attempt to get more money, provide less service, break promises about repairs and generally dismiss any customer service obligation.
It seems that in the last couple of years, some of the big companies have turned into big bullies, wearing consumers down by leaving them on hold and transferring them to multiple departments and overbilling.
The last inflated-without-permission bill will mark the final contribution to this particular company for me.
This is my silent method of taking a stand.
Similarly during the holidays, I went to the bank to pay down a credit card. I”m really close to paying it off and I cut it up months ago.
The teller told me I could win some big money on a bank promotion if I used the card to do my holiday shopping.
I said, “No thanks, I”m paying all cards off.” She said she understood.
She asked if I was unhappy with that particular bank. “Sure,” I said. “But, no more than any other. I”m more disappointed with the new standard practice that seems to be a money grab based on deceit. Customers are simply targets of unethical behavior and I am bowing out.”
I take my obligations seriously and I hold up my end of the bargain, paying bills on time and rolling with the small print if I were the guilty party who didn”t read it thoroughly enough.
I sure do now.
I resolve to give my time, money and energy to people who, and businesses that, have earned my trust and respect and loyalty.
Mandy Feder is the Record-Bee managing editor. She can be reached at mandyfeder@yahoo.com or 263-5636 ext. 32.
