It's been one thing after another, lately. People having disregard for feelings or for how their words, actions, or inactions affect the people around them.
It truly feels like something is in the air for the past two weeks.
A semi-new friend publicly going nuts and acting completely immature toward me via social media (all based on an incorrect assumption). An old friend being inconsistent and flaking on me time after time. An acquaintance deciding to post a politically charged rant on an image I posted online in favor of Marriage Equality.
I don't understand it. Where have all the manners gone?
When I want to figure out where I stand with someone, I communicate. When I can't make it somewhere that I said I'd be, I call. When I have a political opinion contrary to one that my friends hold, I either keep my mouth shut, or respectfully (and privately) disagree with them.
I'm not anywhere close to perfect by any means whatsoever, and I still am tackling the art of communication as every day goes along, but at least I make the attempt at communicating gracefully. And if I fail from time to time, at least I can honestly say that I make an effort.
I've been reminded in the past two weeks that I just have to sometimes walk away. Sever communication in some cases, or take a step back and a breather to reassess a friendship in others.
How do you find yourself reacting and handling situations like these? After you've exhausted communication and second chances, what next? I'd love to hear your point-of-view.
How do you find yourself reacting and handling situations like these? After you've exhausted communication and second chances, what next? I'd love to hear your point-of-view.
***
5 comments :
honestly, I think you reach a point where you have to recognize that the relationship isn't healthy for you, and you have to end it. And as long as you close the relationship with dignity and grace and, yes, manners, even if the other person isn't showing any of those things, you can be proud of what you put into it.
Sometimes there are people who are never going to see any side of any issue except the way they see it. I on the other hand can play devils advocate any day. I see each side of everything. But, I do notice that I just do what needs to be done with a certain someone in my life(not for much longer) that can never ever be wrong. Access the situation? That's my advice.
Lace, I feel similarly these days. But I am also reminded that the world in which we live is breeding a new kind of communicative creature, and social media is going to have to be taught explicitly in the future for people to understand that manners (and lack thereof) most certainly do translate.
I go between saying enough is enough with friends (and sometimes family) who are inconsistent, but I feel the past few years have seen a not good friend side of me as well. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in all the stress of our own lives that we need to stop and remember to reach out and place others first.
However, if time and repeated communication aren't doing the trick - get rid of 'em!! :)
Love to you, my darling friend.
It's so hard sometimes, to communicate our feelings about controversial topics, or even non-controversial ones on social media sites. I feel that if I ever express my opinion about something, someone is going to disagree with me and tell me why I'm wrong. Honestly, I don't care that they think I'm wrong. It's not wrong, just different. It's the way they choose to go about telling me that I'm in the wrong, because I don't agree with them.
And on this whole gay marriage thing...I almost want to turn facebook off, as much as I did during election time. The problem I have is people that are for it, that are name-calling, berating, and judging those of us who disagree with it...they're preaching about others spewing hate, while doing the same thing in return...a bit contradictory, no? They're attacking my beliefs for not believing in the same thing that they are. How is that any different? We need mutual respect and kindness towards each other.
I know that you and I disagree on some things, but we can respect each other's opinions without going crazy over it. We are still good people, with good morals, families, etc. But we are able to communicate (in person and over social media) without biting each other's heads off, or insulting each other.
Ok, rant over :)
I was basically going to say what Betsy said. Sometimes it's best to walk away, and trust me, when they're toxic, you won't miss them xo
Post a Comment