Friday, September 4, 2009

On My Best Behavior


Sometimes, it's really hard to do the right thing.

Sometimes, I really, REALLY want to get low down dirty and play me some hard ball.

Apparently, some people believe that it's acceptable to treat other people like a punching bag. Someone, apparently, decided that their beef with the world was a higher priority than...well...anything else.

This week, I've been snapped at and talked down to. I've been demanded to do things A.S.A.P. I've been "schooled" in things I could school the masses in. (Not to toot my own horn...) I've sat back and watched people whine and b!tch and manipulate the world around them until they get their way, no matter how ridiculous. And I'm OVER IT.

Who do they think they are???

Long ago and far away, I once spend my days in a world where I was Captain of My Domain. I once had the right to declare my expectations to the world - my expectation of respect. I once had the right to stand up in my own defense and say "Enough is enough!" And, I believed better of people.

I guess I was spoiled in recent history. I was granted a reprieve by the heavens for a period of time...a healing period, perhaps. I was blessed with the company of those who were courteous, respectful, and grateful. My vision was blurred looking through rose-tinted glasses.

Until someone ripped them off my face. And slapped me.

The hardest part is sucking it up and shutting up.

Here's something I've learned, though. When times get tough, people get rough. So simple, but so true. People behave badly, especially when they're pinching pennies. And when I say "behave badly", I mean BADLY. And, they behave badly in so many ways.

Tempers flare easily. They become selfish. They are suspicious. It is them against the world. They point fingers and place blame. They hold grudges and cling to their bitterness. They call names and overreact.

And you know what? I don't want to be like that. But, I also don't want to be TREATED like that.

It gets old saying "thank you" to the person that just sent you a scathing email. I grow weary of grinning and bearing it. My tongue is nearly severed in two from biting it in restraint.

But, you know what? My kids are watching me. I have to live with myself. I want people to like me. I don't want to burn bridges. I believe in kharma. And so, I'll move on. I'll suck it up and shut up.

I'm on my best behavior.

1 comment:

  1. Give me a list of names. I'm not on my best behavior. ;)

    ReplyDelete

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