Have you met those people who talk incessantly about themselves and have to run the moment you say "I.."? I think I was one of them before I met this 'friend' of mine. I enjoyed her company, revelled in it even, thinking I was the only one she confided in. The poor thing, so upset with the cards her kismet had dealt her, wanting to share the little joys she squeezed out of her lemon sized existance... till I met 5 other 'friends' at a 'kitty party' ( sic) I was dragged to ( she couldn't make it). There I discovered that they'd all been subjected to many of the same monologues - verbatim! I listened, quietly nodding, amused and angry in turns. Not that she was 'discussed', but you know how these kitty parties are. There is one unspoken rule - Always Show Up!
Now when she calls, I often go " I..." within about half a minute knowing fully well that she'll hang up almost immediately because she just thought of something more imporant to do than talk to me about me. Am I a bad friend and/or a bad listener? I hope not. But she did put things in perspective for me, holding up a mirror to my not so distant past. So if somehow I am a better person now or on my way to becoming one, I owe it to her. I'm glad I have her in my life to remind me that there are others who want to be heard too.
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