Last week, I alluded to how people ask me weird questions and give me weird reactions to my life all the time. Here’s the rant you were promised.
I am aware the my life doesn’t fit the cookie-cutter model that we are all seemingly promised by sitcoms. Pretty sure, that no one’s life fits within that mold.Don’t think mine is that far from “normal” in the grand scheme of it all. Don’t think that should be new information for anyone.
Yet when I give any information about my life anyone, I get dumb reactions. And stupid questions. Making the people I was previously interacting with “that guy”, here are some tips to not be that guy
- 1. Read the Situation-
- One of my biggest pet peeves is when I just want to vent about something, and before I know it I am literally having to answer questions about the motivations of my family members, from four generations ago. If someone comes to talk about something, first off feel honored, and two read the situation on whether or not now is the time to ask whatever question you may have.
- 2. Be adjective-less-
- Imagine feeling like you have just gotten done spilling your guts to someone and the other person goes. “That’s different.” “That’s unique” “Don’t hear that one everyday” “That’s weird.” “Oh that’s not that complicated” “How original” “Your complicated”. Just don’t, okay? That’s your split second reaction to something someone deals with everyday. To them its perfectly normal and makes perfect sense. Now their mind is racing. Just don’t.
- 3. Listen-
- Don’t let your mind auto-fill, actually listen to the person and what they are saying.
- 4. Comprehend-
- I want to make this clear, I want to help people understand my life. I know its different then a lot of others, but I think there’s something to be learned from everyone’s story, including mine. If you have questions, if there’s a term or something you don’t understand ask. Just be thoughtful and make sure you word your question, the best you can. And also make sure that whoever you are asking feels comfortable answering it.
- 5. Retain-
- What’s worse then having to go through explaining what your life to people? Having to do it twice. Try your hardest to to retain the information people tell you about themselves. Make them your twitter password if needed. I just don’t want to explain my life twice, please.
