Thursday, January 27, 2011

Why First Impressions Should Never Be Last Ones...

I have begun to be a lot more aware of the fact that everyone doesn't have a good day all of the time, nor should I ever expect them to. I'm allowed grouchy/annoyed/stressed/whatever days and I should expect that everyone else is allowed them too.

I have also learned that first impressions do not tell the real/full story. I have had moments in my life this past year with people that I interact with (a lot) that send me in a knee-jerk reaction not to associate with them anymore if I don't have to. Man, that knee-jerk reaction... take a hike, eh? (See what I did there? "Canadian" reference. You have to say it like Bob and Doug McKenzie.) Back to thought process.

Once I have managed to set knee-jerk reaction back on the shelf (this sometimes takes A WHILE), I realize that perhaps I have caught someone that I really don't know as well as I think I do, on a bad day. This is obviously something I need to work on, and I'd like to think that I am getting better at it. I haven't gotten over being annoyed, trying to find the positive in the situation right away. What I have done though, is not drag it out quite as long..er. I've had enough experience with this type of situation to learn that I don't have to let it bother me. I don't have to avoid the person. I have to be understanding in the sense that I don't know what is going on and therefore don't get to jump to conclusions. And, that as long as I have a couple of really good friends, I get to be okay with those I'm having problems with.

Thank goodness for good friends. Thank goodness for friends that are becoming good friends. And thank goodness they took the chance to get to know me and deal with all of my "quirks." Now, I need to run upstairs and deal with kids that haven't gone to bed yet. Can't wait to see one of my very best-est friends. Hope he brings chocolate. ;)

1 comment:

Kira said...

I really do love you. Great insight.