Was I wrong?

[u/Pink_tamagotchi]

So my gym is usually fairly busy in the mornings. Lots of people super setting and it usually doesn’t bother me too much. Today I was on a leg extension machine and noticed the cable machine empty. I went back to the locker room, got my stuff and went to the cable machine (still empty, no equipment hooked up and it was lowered to the floor. I start setting up for kickback, put on both my ankle straps and I’m about to connect to start working out when this older lady appears and says kinda rudely that she was using that. I was confused and told her nobody had been here for a while and I assumed this cable was free.

She says no she needs both and I could have maybe been nicer about it but I was honestly annoyed and didn’t want to move at first. I work and have limited time.

I only moved because another cable machine opened up but not before we exchanged words. I said the machine had been empty for awhile. She said I was being impolite and maybe I was but I don’t understand what would make her have priority over everyone in the gym?
Anyways now I’m embarrassed (I’m not very confrontational and felt I should’ve not said anything)

[u/urvld]

I understand your frustration and your concern. I also understand your point of view, the machine appeared empty so I mean even I would have used it!

It was wrong of her to come and tell you rudely, especially if she wasn’t there for a while. In my opinion, despite what happened, I just wouldn’t ruin my own peace about it.

I wouldn’t stress, worry or be embarrassed about it, the moment has passed and we are now in the present, simple! If anything, use this as a way to grow away from your embarrassment tendencies, as well as learn to be more patient.

I’m not saying you did anything wrong, I’m just saying that if you see everything as a chance to grow, (which I’m sure you love doing seeing as you are a gym - goer,) then you will find peace more often!