Thank you for such an honest piece. It’s difficult for anyone to admit they dropped the ball and didn’t make a difference when they could have or should have. I’ve done the same. Always too worried about being polite, not stepping on toes, or starting a disagreement with a stranger. When I am engaged enough to attempt a meaningful reply, my mind goes blank. I can’t even recall the talking points I wrote about the day before. Later, in front of a computer screen, all my should-have-saids are spitting out so quickly, I can’t type fast enough.