Sometimes It’s Hard To “Come Clean” August 18, 2014
Posted by nrhatch in Humor, Mindfulness, People.comments closed
Have you ever overheard someone recount an event (of which you have first hand knowledge) by shading the truth, more than a little, to place themselves in a better light?
Claiming the role of blameless victim to a vicious attack, rather than recognizing their role as instigator or co-participant?
Maybe it’s the attorney in me, but when someone shares a sob story that sounds one-sided, lopsided, or far-fetched, I do not offer blind support.
I ask a few questions first, to ascertain whether the story is factual or fictional.
Once upon a time, we cautioned our young niece not to provoke our cat or she would get scratched.
Ignoring the warning, she backed Jazz into a corner and reached out to grab him.
He scratched her.
Eyes brimming with tears, she exclaimed, “Jazz scratched me!”
We examined the scratch ~ a glancing blow issued as a “step away from the cat” warning.
“What were you doing when he scratched you?”
“Nothing.”
“You were just sitting there, minding your own business, and Jazz ran up to you and scratched you for no reason?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Really? You weren’t trying to pick him up? Or pet him? Or follow him around? You were just sitting still and he ran over to you?”
Hesitation.
“Well . . . he was under the table, and I just wanted to pet him, and when I got close to him, he scratched me. But I wasn’t going to hurt him! I didn’t mean to bother him. I just wanted to pet him.”
{{Hugs}}
Sometimes it’s hard to “come clean” and see our part in the controversy.
Our Egos don’t want to admit the part we played in escalating situations from peaceful co-existence to hissing, scratching, tail-pulling, or worse.
But it’s worth it when we do.
Aah . . . that’s better!
Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
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