Suspicion: Part of being "mature" is not flipping out when Someone Who Has No Business Telling You What To Do insists on doing it. A lot.
Secret: I have not acquired this level of maturity.
Goal: I hope one day to be enough in control of my behavior that I can handle Someone Who Has No Business Telling You (ME) What To Do in a way that makes them stop without their knowing I'm controlling them...ha ha. Or I hope that I can at least handle it better in a way that can help everyone feel good about themselves instead of silently fuming and feeling annoyed for an hour afterward.
It's nice that goals exist, and that they can make us feel like better people before we actually ARE better people.
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Maybe you could ask them to do things for you in a non-domineering way, like you expect they'd do something nice for you since you do nice things for them. You know, to even the playing field. Or if they tell you to do something, you could maybe say you're working on something that your boss told you to do, but you'd be happy to help them later if you have the time and if they are unable to do it themselves (or something like that). And say it sweetly but firmly.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen any of the BBC series Lark Rise to Candleford? It's wonderful and you can watch it in segments on youtube. Be sure to start from the very beginning if you do. There's a character named Dorcus Lane who is fantastically tactful and always in control of situations while remaining compassionate. I've learned a lot about how to handle difficult people by watching her in those shows lately. Not that I'm handling anything better, but I'm seeing possibilities now. Someday, I'll master the art of reacting with dignity. Some day.
Blau chic!
Ha! I like your line about how goals make us feel like better people even though we aren't better yet. Amen.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your goal!
I second what renbeth said about goals. It's like my life story. :)
ReplyDeleteMy mother's family are experts at ignoring people who tell them what to do because all of them are experts at telling people what to do. Since I am part of that family, I am also an expert at smiling pleasantly at people who tell me what to do and inwardly deciding to ignore them if I decide they have no business telling me what to do. It works and relieves stress wonderfully. So, if I tell you what to do and you decide I have no business telling you, go ahead and ignore me. It's a family tradition.
ReplyDeleteOh wait, I have it! Just say, "Yes, your majesty." really sarcastically and then stick out your tongue at them and maybe blow a raspberry. Also remember to always talk in mock baby talk to them to emphasize that they're treating you like a child. Man, I have the best ideas ever.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh you guys. I've been so sick and tired. Thanks for commenting on my post that was also written when I was sick and tired.
ReplyDeleteMitzi: I'm going to have to check out the BBC show. Never heard of it before.
Renbeth and Nae: isn't that really what they're for? Ha ha.
Ma: Thanks for that inheritance. Ha ha. At least you have SOME business telling me what to do, since that was sort of your job for a long time.
Mitzi #2: You've hit my current level of maturity on the head!
Fine! I'll stop telling you what to do...Sheesh! BTW can you tell I just rediscovered this blog? Now I am going to go down post by post and comment if I feel like it...which may be every one since I think they are very good.
ReplyDeleteHa ha ha ha! Catherine, I cannot wait to live in the same city as you.
ReplyDelete