Disclaimer: The following friend mentioned is from another state, and phase of life. None of my blogging buddies know her.
I recently got a phone call from a friend I haven't seen or spoken to in at least 8 months. Let's call my friend "ABC". "ABC" started off the conversation by telling me how furious she was and just needed to talk about it. I was happy to listen. For the next 25 minutes I listened to "ABC" rant and rave about how mean, fake, and unaware other people are. This was all triggered by a voice message she had gotten from her visiting teacher trying to set up an appointment. The V.T.er said "you've been hard for me to get a hold of , but I'd love to come visit." She had never met this visiting teacher, but had spoken to her once in the past--but had to cancel the appointment last minute. Making that comment about being "hard to get a hold of", just unglued my friend.
I recently got a phone call from a friend I haven't seen or spoken to in at least 8 months. Let's call my friend "ABC". "ABC" started off the conversation by telling me how furious she was and just needed to talk about it. I was happy to listen. For the next 25 minutes I listened to "ABC" rant and rave about how mean, fake, and unaware other people are. This was all triggered by a voice message she had gotten from her visiting teacher trying to set up an appointment. The V.T.er said "you've been hard for me to get a hold of , but I'd love to come visit." She had never met this visiting teacher, but had spoken to her once in the past--but had to cancel the appointment last minute. Making that comment about being "hard to get a hold of", just unglued my friend.
Anyways, "ABC" told me at least EIGHT times how nice she personally was. That she would do anything for anyone. She loved everyone and was so easy to be around. And she couldn't figure out how others could be so clueless as to all the things that SHE was going through. Many profane words were said as she continued to moan and grown and call others names.
It was the most odd conversation. It was one of those times you really stop and wonder about what you are saying and thinking and feeling. Because from a listener's stand point, it was my friend that was all in the wrong. She was so wrapped up in her self, she didn't pause to think about what someone else was going through. I guess that is the irony of this all. The visiting teacher, I happened to know--and she has been going through some super rocky things. I don't know how she has kept it all together. I really admire her. My friend "ABC", just doesn't know her yet. Her own schedule and life are preventing her from maybe helping someone else.
I guess by typing this out, I just wanted to say I want to work on being someone that gives others the benefit of a doubt. That I can be slow to anger and offend...and quick to forgive. My friend "ABC", is actually really fabulous. I think that is why this affected me so much. I realized that anyone can get so caught up in themselves, that they forget to look for others needs too.
Forgive me if I've offended you, and know I'm working on being better.
6 comments:
Oh Ann-Marie, you know i'm always offended! Actually, maybe my sarcasm is offensive. I better keep that in check.
Good thoughts you brought up there. Thanks.
Amen! =)
Very true. It reminds me of that scripture that says "with what judgment ye judge, ye shall also be judged." One day I read that and it hit me: I would like to be judged generously, and I want those I love to be judged generously...so I ought to be generous in how I judge others. Now, if only it came naturally...
Makes you think about what you say to others -- often without thinking.
Good story! Ive been working on that... I REALLY need to be better.
Thank you! It's just what I needed to hear!
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