I am one of those people who can always see the other side of arguments and disagreements, so sometimes, for that reason, it's hard for me to stand my ground when I find myself in the middle of one. Because really, who is to say who's right and who's not when so much of it is often circumstantial? Most of the time it's because one person believes or feels one thing that the other person doesn't, and vice-versa, and it's really just a clashing of personal beliefs and preferences that's causing the problem, not what someone actually did or didn't do.
Because of that fact, I try really hard to step outside myself and see the other person's side. When I feel as though someone has hurt or offended me, I try to look at the situation from their point of view, and understand why they might NOT think that they'd done anything wrong. Some people say that this is me making excuses for other people. Maybe it is, and certainly, if a certain person has continually offended and hurt me even after I've made it clear that they're making me feel that way, it is an issue. But the issue never becomes about them at that point; it becomes about me. Clearly, that person has proven that they are they way that they are, and they're not willing to change, even to salvage our relationship. So, at that point, it's my choice. I can either understand that and I can accept who they are, flaws and all, or if I can't, or I am going to continue to feel hurt or attacked, then it's up to me to walk away from the situation.
This is how I think about things. It's not always easy to put my way of thinking into practice, but it's still what I truly believe.
That being said, there are still certain circumstances where basic manners, and basic human fucking decency come into play, and as of late, I've experienced a severe lack of both so many times that I had to write this blog about it so I could get it all off of my chest and move on with my life. After all, I do believe that the world is a beautiful place, and that people are, inherently, good... but for the love, if we could all just step outside ourselves for just one freaking moment each day, it would make the world a better place. It would also help me to stop cussing like a sailor, because rude, inconsiderate people make me angry, and when I'm angry, I swear. A lot.
Below are some examples of things you can do to help avoid being awarded the title of "Dickhead of the Year":
- When someone is walking into a building behind you, hold the door open for them. It's not that difficult. Just take a second to notice if someone is behind you instead of letting the door close in their face.
- That being said, if someone does hold open the door for you, say 'Thank You'. Don't be a dick. They took a second out of their day to be polite, and so should you.
- Actually, just say 'Please' and 'Thank You' in general. These should be a staple of your vocabulary.
- When you're hanging up the phone with someone, and they tell you to have a great day, return the favor. Don't just say something stupid like "Yup, bye" or "Thanks, bye." Do you know how selfish that makes you sound? "Thanks for telling me to have a nice day. I don't really give a shit if you have a nice day or not, because I'm a selfish dickhead with much more important things to do and think about than anyone but... well... myself. Bye!" I get that sometimes hanging up the phone can be awkward, so if you slip here and there, totally forgivable. But there is a certain person I know who does this consistently and it drives me insane. So, I just stopped saying it to that person. I no longer care if you have a good day, sir/madame. Go to hell. Plus, now it doesn't make me angry anymore, because they don't have the opportunity to not say it back. Win, win!
- If you're driving, and someone pauses to let you into their lane, or stops to let you turn out in front of them, give them a courtesy wave. You are not the King/Queen of the Road, and it was not my obligation to let you in. Don't be a dick. A little wave goes a long way.
- If someone experiences a death in the family, tell them you're sorry for their loss. If it's someone you're close to, ask them how they're doing. It's just common courtesy. If you're not capable of putting your own fucking problems aside for the five seconds that it takes to do that, then you need to get yourself some professional help.
- In general, just pay attention to your freaking surroundings. This one is for you, Mr. "I'm going to unload my trailer at the storage unit on a busy Saturday and when I do, I'm going to park like an asshole so that no one can get around me to exit or enter the parking lot for at least a good thirty minutes". Guess what, sir. You are not the only human being on the planet. I will give you a moment to absorb that no-doubt shocking information. Have you recovered? Good. Now, next time you want to park like an asshole, take a moment to think about all the other good people of the world that you may be inconveniencing, and then find a different place/way to park.
I think that about sums up the things that have been driving me crazy as of late. Seriously, we've gotta learn to give at least some semblance of shit about one another. It's not that hard. Just think about how you'd want to be treated, and then treat others that way. I guess some people are just natural-born assholes who want to blame everyone else for their problems and to them, I say, stay the hell away from me. I don't have time for people like you in my life. And also, go fuck yourself. Of course, I mean that with love. :)
No comments:
Post a Comment