Search This Blog

Monday, October 13, 2008

Hindsight

Some situations I deal with have more than a hint of repetition. The drunk bloke needing to leave is a typical example. The type of thing we do time and time again. Not something to get your adrenaline up but a bit of experience can tip you off on what to watch.
Once in my younger days, working a lively high turnover, vertical drinking warm up pub, I approached a gent and asked him to leave. It was busy and bustling but not really loud. I approached and asked him to leave. He muttered something, I lent in towards him to hear him better. He didn't tense or get angry, just lifted his fist straight up into my jaw.
I was a little stunned. I then had to come back and regain the situation. I did but spent a week with a very stiff jaw and a few sore teeth. That was a lesson learned. Now I take punters into a quiet bit, don't lean in and don't get fussed if I don't hear what they say. Even the simple things you have to get right. I've had a few sore jaws and throbbing heads, each one has to be a lesson learned. I try to be better by experience, mine and others, not making the same mistakes. If I get to the point I can't be bothered learning I'll hang up my boots.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

You must consider yourself comparatively fortunate that it was "only" his fist into your jaw.

I have seen that same technique used with the variation that housekeys were between fingers and the blow was into the eyes: very nasty indeed, and nothing that happens afterwards can ever make up for the injuries received.

Your experience has been gained at relatively slight cost.

Good fortune for the future.
I enjoy reading your blog.

Michael

Anonymous said...

Not that you desire my appreciation or respect; But this post and the previous post together show me and proove to me that you have certainly been working the job for as long as you say you are, you're genuinly honest with how you act.