As with most profound experiences in my life this took place on a late Southwest flight after a long, exhausting day. The young man seated a few seats away began to scream, threaten, move violently, and curse wildly as the plane took off.

The initial reaction of people close by was fear, disgust, and horror, followed by understanding, compassion, and finally by a genteel unspoken agreement to pretend he doesn’t exist.

The young man suffered from Tourette’s syndrome.

I realized at that moment that taking offense is a choice.

We chose not to be offended by this young man due to his condition.

Knowing this I’ve gained a magic power. I can chose not to take offense. I can choose not to be bothered by things that really should bother me.

And once in a while I actually employ this power – instead of fuming and screaming bloody murder, sometimes I choose simply not to be offended and move on.

Not often enough though.