How a tricky faucet taught me the value of simple instructions
Photo: Freepik
The faucet at a public washroom I visited appeared quite ordinary. I turned the knob both ways, but nothing happened. I moved my hands under the spout half expecting a sensor to activate it. Still nothing.
Somewhat embarrassed, I looked around. The guy next to me seemed to know a thing or two about tricky faucets. He noticed my predicament and pointed below the basin counter. “Step on that thing,” he said.
I looked down—and lo!—there was indeed a metal foot lever. I stepped on it, much as I'd on the accelerator or gas pedal, and was relieved to see water flow out of the faucet.
Who knew?! They ought to put that up, in bold letters. Not everyone is an expert in plumbing fixtures. No matter how tech-savvy we might be, we're not always expected to know everything. Including the workings of an undistinguished public faucet.
Instructions are necessary. They make life easier. There is no shame in being told how to do something. We learn and we apply our knowledge. And, in turn, we show others how to turn on the tap, and grow.
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