Tuesday, November 22, 2011

99 problems but your attitude ain't one

I learned a long time ago back in high school when a school friend that we'll call John put me in a bad mood one day because he was in a bad mood and said something really sarcastic. Now, John was not a bad person and usually was funny and approachable, but the point was that I almost carried that bad mood with me all day until I realized I was making his problem MY problem. Why should I walk around upset all day just because he was? Even though what he said bothered me and I couldn't control what he said or did, I didn't have to take ownership of his problem. Now, how does that translate to adulthood?

I've slowly began to accept the idea that if a person has a problem with me that's their problem, not mine. I know, it's not rocket science but it's a hard thing to practice. We all care what people think about us, but we all know that we can't make the whole world happy, fine. Yet, sometimes I'd find myself trying to rationalize why a person isn't nice to me one day when they usually are, or why someone has this imaginary issue with me that each time I see them they avoid eye contact. These mysteries that I debate over in my head are just not that worth it. I've learned to keep it moving. That doesn't mean I don't notice when a person is acting a certain way toward me, but if I attempt to be civil, and know I've done nothing wrong I really don't give a flying vampire bat about it.

You have to learn not to care. That's hard for a person like me who likes genuine relationships, and I'm not a people pleaser but I like to communicate even if briefly with most people. I must say I've even gotten better at small talk (hold the applause).

I've decided to ease the burden off my shoulders and my mind. Of course I care about my reputation and how people view me, but when a person has no reason to have an issue yet creates one with me with passive aggressive antics I choose not to care. If I offend someone or did something wrong bad enough they decide to act like they don't want to be civil, then they can be adult enough to discuss it with me. It's not MY problem even if it's directed at me. Sure, I can address it but I've learned not to make it my issue.

I have TOO many problems to overcome than to take on someone else's problem even if their problem is with me.

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