Do you remember when being polite and courteous above all else was paramount? When the thought of calling someone out on their BS stream or challenging a relative on a political or religious stance was unthinkable?
Me too.
But it's been awhile.
I'm not sure when my filter started to fail, but for sure the last five years have definitely taken a toll on its integrity.
Nonconfrontational by nature, I avoid runins that get messy whenever and wherever possible. I've strained my emotions and sensibilities so many times it's a wonder I haven't ended up looking like a female version of Gumby. I guess I'm just wired this way. (Note: My natural inclination to avoid confrontation and anger has, however, been known to evaporate under the influence of too much cabernet. I'm just sayin'. Another reason to moderate intake, right?)
Through the years I've envied those who can just let loose and tell their opponents how they feel, hold their ground, etc. In your face just hasn't felt right to me.
Until lately.
For some reason when faced with opposition or just plain stupidity, it's all I can do to suppress a snarky retort or engage in what would surely become a flame war. I usually take the high road and remain silent, but I'm worried that, after a bad day, a poke or a prod from an irritating person will send me. Over. The. Edge.
What is there to fear? Well, about four decades of suppression, that's what. There is just no telling what might happen, but I'm pretty sure there will be damage to fix and apologies to deliver.
See, if I had just taken the path that my very honest and brave son has taken, I would never have built up a boatload of pithy replies to stupid provocation. He's always been true enough to himself to just say, if asked to do something that doesn't interest him, "Sorry. That's just not going to work for me."
Period.
Go son.
Me too.
But it's been awhile.
I'm not sure when my filter started to fail, but for sure the last five years have definitely taken a toll on its integrity.
Nonconfrontational by nature, I avoid runins that get messy whenever and wherever possible. I've strained my emotions and sensibilities so many times it's a wonder I haven't ended up looking like a female version of Gumby. I guess I'm just wired this way. (Note: My natural inclination to avoid confrontation and anger has, however, been known to evaporate under the influence of too much cabernet. I'm just sayin'. Another reason to moderate intake, right?)
Through the years I've envied those who can just let loose and tell their opponents how they feel, hold their ground, etc. In your face just hasn't felt right to me.
Until lately.
For some reason when faced with opposition or just plain stupidity, it's all I can do to suppress a snarky retort or engage in what would surely become a flame war. I usually take the high road and remain silent, but I'm worried that, after a bad day, a poke or a prod from an irritating person will send me. Over. The. Edge.
What is there to fear? Well, about four decades of suppression, that's what. There is just no telling what might happen, but I'm pretty sure there will be damage to fix and apologies to deliver.
See, if I had just taken the path that my very honest and brave son has taken, I would never have built up a boatload of pithy replies to stupid provocation. He's always been true enough to himself to just say, if asked to do something that doesn't interest him, "Sorry. That's just not going to work for me."
Period.
Go son.
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