Started new thread...

Renoir said:

Thanks! BTW, just wanted to say that you've taken some grief lately and it was, as Jeff and David and others have pointed out, unjust. I've always apprectiated your advice and never felt the delivery was anything but honest.

Nancy said:

I appreciate the support. While I regret misunderstanding, I've come to accept that human communication is messy. I used to think it was possible to communicate perfectly and I'd craft every comment and response so as to not offend, but still there were misunderstandings. I've also come to learn that sometimes people go out of their way to look for offense, and there just ain't nothing you can do about that. I know I do it sometimes, too. So, when other people do it, it's a good reminder to myself to not freak out everytime someone looks at me cross-eyed.

Old age is a wonderful thing in many ways...despite the pain in my knees and grey hair. *g*

< /questionable philosophical digression>


Nancy,

The human condition is a strange animal... We think we can control so much by simply being honest and respectful, then we find out that there is much that affects us that is beyond our control. I have always said what I believed and was under the impression during most of my youth that if I said it respectfully everyone would accept that. Not only did I expect them to accept what I was saying with an open mind, but also respect me in return for having such a well grounded guy. Then somewhere along the line I discovered that it's not so simple. We can't control others because as much as we are alike and want the same things from one another, we are even more so different.

I still belive in people, but it's tempered with a realization that some care only about themselves or those in their immediate circle and not about the person on the other end of the phone, in the car in front of them or even here where we are supposedly supporting one another. I come across people all the time who are nothing like me and only want to find the negative and depressing sides of everthing. I usually have no earthly idea what they're talking about most times or what motivates them, but I have learned not to take it personally and let it go. Can't change them and don't want to spend the time trying. Plus, usually among all the dust they stir-up are a few grains of wisdom that I can learn from.

I am by no means someone to emulate in many ways, but I do think that if people at least try to have respect for one another and paused to think briefly before they begin judging someone things would be better.

I know what you mean about the age thing. I thought I would resent growing old, but other than the creaks and not being able to run 8 miles a day anymore, I'm pretty content being who I am and letting others be who they are. Doesn't mean they don't p*** me off once in awhile; just doesn't stay with me very long anymore. :)

Renoir