A few months back, I was happily engaged in the quirky activity of "ducking" Jeeps across Texas. This involved placing little rubber ducks on the vehicles as a way to spread joy. However, one encounter nearly derailed my fun.

While I was enjoying this lighthearted pastime, a man’s peculiar and somewhat aggressive demeanor nearly put an end to my joyful adventures. Thankfully, I realized there was more to his behavior than met the eye, which allowed me to continue my playful tradition. This experience taught me a significant lesson about how our perceptions can often obscure the truth.

For those unfamiliar with the concept of ducking Jeeps, it's a movement that began when someone decided to uplift another's spirits by leaving a small gift—a rubber duck—on their Jeep. The trend has since gained traction, with people exchanging ducks and spreading smiles. Although I don't own a Jeep, I found the activity so enjoyable that I purchased various rubber ducks from Walmart and dollar stores, keeping a bag in my non-Jeep vehicle to partake in the fun.

About ten days before my move from Texas, I was busy running errands. My tasks for the day included arranging a water shut-off, visiting the post office to submit a change of address, and stopping by the laundromat. To save time, I put my laundry in and dashed to City Hall, completing that errand faster than expected. When I returned to the laundromat, I still had eight minutes left in the wash cycle.

Excited, I decided to make a quick stop at the post office. As I parked, I noticed a white Willy’s Jeep a short distance away, with a gentleman outside talking on his phone.

Fantastic! Another Jeep to duck!

I retrieved my bag of ducks, which contained an assortment of six, including a unique rubber duck/shark combo I had purchased.

I approached the Jeep with enthusiasm, but as I neared, the man had hung up and turned to face me, startled.

“I just wanted to duck your Jeep,” I explained, handing him the rubber duck.

While many Jeep owners are thrilled to receive a duck, I usually check for any displayed ducks before proceeding. Seeing none, I decided to go ahead. However, the moment I presented my choice, he reacted with shock.

“The shark is EATING the duck!” he exclaimed, expressing his disbelief. His reaction took me completely by surprise, and I found myself feeling awful for startling him.

“I thought it was cute! I imagined it as a duck in a shark costume,” I kept apologizing, wishing I could take back my decision to approach him.

As he continued to express his discontent, I realized I had made a mistake. I felt so uncomfortable that I contemplated giving up my ducking adventures altogether.

He insisted that it wasn’t even his Jeep, but his wife's, and questioned my intentions. Despite my repeated apologies, the situation escalated, leaving me anxious and embarrassed.

Once I finally entered the post office, I noticed a line with three women ahead of me. I suspected one of them might be his wife, but I had no desire to confirm anything. I just wanted to vanish.

The line moved slowly, and I found myself regretting my decision to stop by the post office at that moment. My laundry cycle had ended, and I felt frustrated by the delay.

Just then, the man from outside walked in, unsteadily approaching the counter.

Oh no! Not this again!

He spotted me and shouted, “DUCK LADY!” causing everyone to turn and look.

“What was it you wanted to do to my wife? YOU WANTED TO DUCK MY WIFE???” he called out, amplifying my embarrassment.

Fortunately, they finished their transaction quickly, and I moved on to complete mine. Just as I exited, I encountered the man and his wife again.

She inquired about her husband's comments regarding me, and I explained my ducking attempts. To my surprise, she expressed joy, saying, “I haven’t been ducked in years! This is wonderful!”

She seemed genuinely pleased, and I recounted my exp