THURSDAY THOUGHTS: SOMETHING TO SAY

Talking with one's hands, or being animated and expressive is one thing. 

Putting one's finger in another person's face, as if they are a mischievous child in need of a good scolding, is another. 

Much ado about nothing? 

One more unfortunate, but expected instance of blatant disrespect? 

Yet another meaningless distraction? 

Publicity stunt to sell books? 

Who knows.

If one has something they feel is of importance to say, it's not odd that they would want to be heard. 

I suppose, however, that some people are accustomed to others just standing timidly and silently by as they demand attention. 

Perhaps they expect compliance from people OUTSIDE of their realms of influence, too. 

It may very well pay to take crap off of people, and listen whether you want to or not, but folk who are NOT on the payroll don't have to be so accommodating.

All it takes, is one poorly timed snap at the wrong person to learn that a habit of being rude, abrasive, forward, and/ or pushy won't always be tolerated.
It's true. 

People who can dish it out really don't seem to know how to take it as willingly. 

It's amazing how offended they can become. 

I'm convinced that they sincerely don't hear themselves. 

Their mantra in their defense is often, "This is just the way I am". 

Surely the people they regularly confront are either weak, overly sensitive, and cowardly, or void of the ability to understand if they dare to push back.

Any information, any viewpoint you offer will be considered patronizing, condescending, or false when people feel, for whatever reason, that they can learn NOTHING from you. 

When people feel that there is absolutely nothing about which you could possibly enlighten them, in spite of your expertise or education, you could offer them life-saving information and they won't take it. You're not supposed to know anything.

A picture IS worth a thousand words. 

As a fan of all things visually artistic, I agree. 

It's unfortunate, however, when more than a thousand words are needed to quash a deliberately deceptive picture. 

It's even more unfortunate when people attempt explanations and can do no better than pitifully attempt to defend PRECISELY what the picture has communicated all too well.

People need to understand that although they may have a right to say whatever they want, those rights only extend as far as they do not infringe upon the rights of others. 

You can scream all you want. 

No one has to truly listen. 

Personal space is a cherished thing. 

Some people think they have an entitlement pass to cross the line.
Start tearing in on someone without warning, and you're lucky if all they DO decide to do is walk away.

Even if you HAD a good point, it can get lost in your delivery. You AND your good point can end up in the miscellaneous file.

All of us have those times when we think, "If I ever see so-and-so", or "If I ever get to meet so-and-so, I'll tell him or her this or that..." 

 When, or if we get the opportunity, we have to go in knowing that we may have worked on our speech to OUR satisfaction, but it may not go over the way we'd like--with us walking away feeling triumphant and helpful. 

If all we really want to do is make a name for ourselves, by confronting another individual, we can do that, too, but we must be aware that there may be backlash.

Having access to an important person can be valuable. 

One shouldn't blow any future access one may need by unnecessarily behaving badly. 

Just when you think you've come away from a confrontation feeling empowered, you find out that you've been perceived as an individual with a little bit of crazy going on. 

Instead of delivering your important message, you've embarrassed yourself and others.

Walking away from someone who expects you entertain their rant, is the best move. 

It gives them a minute to assess their behavior; maybe even realize that everyone is neither intimidated, nor afraid. 

Using a tactful approach means nothing to someone who sees you as inferior to them. 

There's no word filter or tone check they feel they should utilize. 

To them, you're obliged to listen. You HAVE to. You're a peon. 

They want to be able to boast, "I TOLD them a thing or two!" 

All they really did was to expose their inner bully--an unwise, childish, attention-seeking one.

Have something to say? 

It's how you say it that will make a huge difference in getting you the results you're seeking. 

Hatred, jealousy, or arrogance, unfortunately won't be upstaged. They won't and can't hide. 

Sometimes, it's best to shut up about what you feel you MUST say, until you've examined yourself and your motives. 

No sense going on like a freight train only to end up on someone's list of people to avoid like some new plague.

Going through life with a "Do you know who I am?" attitude is a good way to find out how many people don't care, because they're too busy being who they know THEY are.

My grandmother always said you can catch more flies with a little honey than vinegar. 

Maybe if we adopted that old adage, our conversations with others would be a lot more productive.