The problem with publicizing one's neuroses is that doing so tends to invite solutions, either explicit or implied, that seem logical to the prescribers but in fact are not very helpful.
Master Fob: Instant messaging scares me.
Concerned Friend 1: What's to be scared of? I'm not scared. Just do it and you'll love it!
MF: Although I acknowledge that Person/Institution X has every right to act in the way he/she/it acted, I am still angry at him/her/it.
CF2: I don't understand why you're angry. He/She/It has every right to do what he/she/it did. Get over yourself.
MF: I know I should take things one day at a time because otherwise life can be overwhelming, but I can't help worrying about where I will be five years from now.
CF3: I think you should stop worrying about the future. Take things one day at a time, man.
Yes, I realize my neuroses are irrational. That's kind of the point.
Thank you, though, for your concern. Really. Thank you. Because now I'm paranoid that you'll think I'm ungrateful. Even though I know I shouldn't worry about what other people think.
After all the advice we give you, you throw it all back in our collective face? Pshaw, sir. Pshaw!
ReplyDelete:P
=-\ Sorry. I always like to tell people what to do. . . even when it's not helpful or potentially trite. . . I gotta stop doing that. . .
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you brought it to everyone's attention, though. Then everybody can work on not doing that anymore.
I really think that you should get over yourself and be like me and not worry about the future.
ReplyDeleteOh, is the camera rolling?
Speaking as a concerned friend, I think that you're great, neuroses and all.
argh
ReplyDeleteJust to add to all of that advice:
ReplyDelete:)
I think we expect you to read all of our advice as: "We love you and we care about you," and not pay so much attention to all of those trivial details about exactly what we're suggesting that you should do! :)
Gosh, Master Fob, you're really ungrateful sometimes. And it doesn't make sense to worry about what other people think. Do what you gotta do! Chill, man!
ReplyDeleteYeah--I'm bad at solutions, so you can tell me all your neuroses. I'll probably just say, "Good luck with that..." in a very nice tone of chatbox...oh yeah, you don't chat, nevermind.
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