Laura's Corner

How often do you go into a store and see something that is just out of control?  Teenagers using profanity, couples in the middle of an argument, toddlers running amok, just a few of the situations which leave us slightly frustrated. 

When these situations arise, we all have completely different reactions.  Some turn and walk away, others shake their heads, yet the feeling is the same.  Frustration builds up and the words jump to the tip of your tongue.  At this point, we usually stop and let it go.  Walk away, you think.  You know that voicing your opinion is simply not going to change the behavior of offensive individual.   In all actuality, it may escalate into a situation leaving one or the other harmed in a physical or verbal manner.

Unless you witness someone being abused or harmed, I would suggest minding your own business, or, as I apply it towards myself, MMOB.  I have absolutely no right to “butt into” another’s personal space, regardless of how I feel.   It doesn’t matter how “I” feel about it.  This is simply not a question of right or wrong.  How someone chooses to live their life is exactly that, their choice.

My second resolution has to do with calling out the crazy.  Let’s say you are at work.  Your co-worker does the darndest things.  Next time he or she gets into your personal space, call out the crazy.  Say, “I cannot believe for the life of me why you do the things you do, please do a U-turn and come back after you take your medication.”  (or something similar to that)  It’s time to fight fire with fire.  How about the next time you go to a family reunion?  Uncle Bob has a few too many and is quite sloppy.  Say something to the effect of, “Hey, Al (coholic), give it a rest, we heard this story before, and believe that you should bury it asap.”   “Aunt Ethel, no, I don’t want a kiss, please stop.”  (Unless she plans to leave you millions in her will.)  “Hey, sister, your life is a hot mess, get it together girl!”

Yes, you may hear one or two curse words in the process, but believe me, the minute you start calling out the crazy, you will immediately begin to feel lighter. 

We hold things in because “we don’t want to hurt someone’s feelings.  We are told to respect our elders and to never question what they instruct us to do.   Throughout our lives, we hold back, say nothing, and let it go, or worse, hold onto it for dear life. 

When someone is in your personal space, and they need to be checked, call out the crazy.  When everyone in the family is familiar with “Uncle Bob’s” drinking, yet everyone refuses to address the problem, I believe everyone should be held liable in a court of law.  We all know that one guy or girl who ruins a family party.  Why do we continually invite them?  You see that one person at every holiday, wedding and elsewhere because “we don’t want to leave her out”.  Yet, the minute she walks out the door, everyone runs into the hen house to cackle “can you believe she did that (again)?”   

Call out the crazy, I dare you.  I double dog, no, I triple dog dare you.  Have fun with it.  Call it out with a completely serious look on your face.  Not only will you shock your family, but you will have everyone on their toes wondering if they will be next.   Your family parties will begin to be a joy, which is exactly what you are looking for in the long run. 

Happy New Year!!!