Hi WhiteKnight,
It isn't always easy to let people's negative comments go I realise that, but I am trying to ask myself if it is worthwhile letting those hurtful comments rattle around in my head. The answer to that is no.
I worked in a home for the elderly years ago. One of my residents greeted me each evening by yelling and screaming at me and I was supposed to assist her with a shower! One night I walked up to her, gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek and she cracked up laughing! Showering her was no problem after that.
My sister in law tells me often I am not part of the family. I accept her comment. I still like seeing her husband and their children and her as well. If she does not want me to be a part of her family, then that is her problem and not mine.
I have a girlfriend who makes me quite ill when she blows her nose while we are out to dinner and then she checks out what is in her tissue. It really makes me want to vomit. She doesn't have depression, so if I can accept her doing that, she can accept my quirky behaviours.
Ah Facebook. Quite often I just look at the pictures and don't bother to read any of the messages. Like you wrote some people are really quite catty with the things they write. Maybe being nasty to other people makes them feel witty or superior. I just don't bother to answer any negative comments. I much prefer keeping in touch with my friends through emails anyway. If someone writes something I don't need to read again, I just delete it, and try to wash away their thoughts. Granted it may feel like I need a waterfall of water washing over me to get rid of those thoughts, but hey, at least I recognise they are not thoughts I need to keep in my head.
Sayings and expressions can be hurtful and can make you feel lousy. I don't like the expression "Whatever!" either. We had my Dad stay with us recently and I asked him what he would like for dinner and gave him some choices. He said in a rather negative way "Whatever!" so I told him we were out of that and we would be having chicken instead.
Here is a challenge for you WhiteKnight, grab a piece of paper and write down your good points, if any negative thoughts come to your mind, right them down too and then change them to something positive.
Regarding thicker skin, what is easier to cut a butternut pumpkin or a Queensland Blue? Is it easier to eat a banana or a pineapple? Who needs thicker skin if people can't access what is inside of you!
From Mrs. Dools
