There is a difference, people.
I had a conversation with someone today about a certain FoodNetwork Canada TV show. The person I spoke with quickly said, “Oh, that doesn’t interest me at all” and proceeded to talk about something completely different. This was after about twenty minutes of me listening to this person’s gripes and grievances. I was just excited about this show and thought it was interesting. Nope. Shut down!
If it’s okay for someone to talk about things that matter to them, entertain them, frustrate them, sadden them, make them happy, then why can’t other people express these same things? Is it not fair for a listener to be able to speak as well? Don’t other people’s thoughts, opinions, and concerns matter?
Why bother even having a conversation with someone, if all you are going to do is have a monologue?
I asked Hubby today what he thought I should do. It’s always the same thing. I just listen, listen, listen while this person talks, talks, talks and criticizes everyone. It’s actually really depressing. When this person said, “How awful is it that so-and-so is behaving so badly?” or “So-and-so has been rumoured to be having an affair”.
I. Don’t. Care.
It’s none of my business. I don’t even know said person. I almost wanted to say, “Oh, that doesn’t interest me at all”. I didn’t of course. Perhaps I should have.
The worst part is, some people don’t seem to have a social filter. There’s a difference between being honest and being rude.
Maybe it’s just me, but the world would be a much happier place if people just learned how to talk to each other. Nicely. Politely. Courteously.
“Ewww! GROSS! That fancy dancy international $h!t you cook all the time just sounds weird to me. Your poor husband. I don’t know how your husband eats that stuff. Don’t you do steak and potatoes or something normal?” can easily be rephrased as “I haven’t been introduced to international food and am actually quite hesitant to try it. Good for your husband for trying it”.
Now, wouldn’t that be a lot easier and kinder? Why bother spreading negativity? I don’t see how it benefits anyone.
I started screening my phone calls for that exact reason. Some people are just toxic and want to drag you into the drama that shouldn’t be theirs to begin with.
PS. I love weird food and my husband has a steel stomach and can eat anything. So there.
you’re soooo right C…you’re much more eloquent that i could ever be on this topic.
that friend seems rather closeminded about food. kudos to your husband for expanding his comfort zone. i think you’re a great cook too! 🙂 i’ll never forget your bacon!!!! drool!
You know life becomes so much less stressful once those gossipy and mean spirited and selfish people are removed from our lives. What purpose do they serve? Seriously, ask yourself that – what useful purpose does this person serve in my life? It may be more difficult if it’s a family member, in which case I just point out the positive of whatever negative they are pointing out – with a smile (which is so hard some times) or I just leave the room. I don’t want to get sucked into negativity and gossip and I can easily do that because it’s fun to point out other peoples flaws because then mine don’t look as bad, right?
Just wanted to let you know that I’ve given your blog the Liebster Award, you can see it here:
http://educational-anarchy.blogspot.com/2011/11/showing-some-love.html
Thanks for being who you are and for sharing that!
Frau:
Thanks, friend, I guess I needed that venting session. If there is one thing that boils my blood, it’s closedmindedness. Frustrating.
I soooooo completely agree with you 100%