Tuesday, November 11, 2008

My Next Career Direction

I think I will become a soothing counselor of people, imparting my wisdom to give them direction in unlit times of life. Here's my first pearl:

Sometimes (not always, but sometimes) it's best to assume inattention, bad day, or other external factors rather than malice, particularly if the person in question is a friend. It is often the case that people are in their own heads completely and not even thinking about other people. We are surprisingly self-centered as a species.

My friend K and I discovered this nonoriginal bit of wisdom and have both found it to be a time and stress saver. No need to call committees to parse e-mails, seek second opinions on voicemails, and so forth.

Also, do yoga.

5 comments:

Toby said...

But these are concerns mostly restricted to the female half of the species. Men tend to confront malice directly. If it was unintended, that comes out quickly. If it was intended, then it is on. No need to parse, weigh options, or reflect on what may have caused the situation. It saves us a lot of angst, though that is compensated for by other deficiencies.

Laura said...

Oh, Toby, my gender essentialist friend. When did you turn into Mr. Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus?

I've known a passive aggressive one of your gender on occasion, who, when offended may be less likely to call out the slight than to be all cranky in return.

But are we not all human? Do we not bleed!

Toby said...

Of course, wide sweeping generalizations have their weaknesses, if you want to get all specific on me. Jeeze.

Laura said...

Are you telling me you're offended? Do you want to call me out on it, so we can duel like men?

Toby said...

I demand satisfaction. Pistols at dawn can be the only remedy to this situation.