When I moved out of the way for the person carrying a tray he said “No, you have the right of way. She moves out of your way.” I continued to look into the eyes of the server and waited for her to safely pass. Her only acknowledgment was her eyes lowered and a quiet smile on her face.

I noticed the crowd change as the sunset. Large groups of teenagers, loud voices, dramatic movements protecting the space they choose to hang out. I walked through the sea of young adult children, eyes straight ahead, clearing my path steps before my body arrived at the opening. The language between us was to agree to not acknowledge each other.

Force doesn’t mean getting what I want. It only symbolizes a physical statement. Without graceful acknowledgment the space taken by force lacks significance.