Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Expectations and Reality

What is our responsibility to others? What happens when our expectations of others NEVER matches the reality of the situation? When do we excuse others insensitive behavior simply because “that’s the way they are wired”? Personally, I am tired of making concession, but of course I will continue to do so—why??? Because in return, I hope they are making concessions for my own inadequacies.
Plain and simple…
Short and (bitter)sweet…

This I know for sure…

3 comments:

Ann said...

The old adage "fight fire with fire" is not a good one when it comes to the insensitive, I have found. These are people who are generally too wrapped in their own experiences to be able to see the world from another's point of view. Hard-wiring? I don't know. As a teacher I am sure you have seen examples, as I have, of apples and tree so it sometimes lends the genetic argument credence. Still, I am not always sure I buy that and it gets old. In the end you can only choose your own actions or responses.

Thought provoking as always.

Stephanie said...

I ponder these same questions often. I, like you, realize there are probably a million ways I have been insensitive to others and never even realized. I hope I was forgiven and will continue to be forgiven, as I am sure I will continue to cluelessly offend.

It also helps to have low or no expectations of others.

Marsha said...

Stephanie,
I understand and agree with everything you wrote. I find your last comment interesting---seems to let people off the hook doesn't it? If we have low expectations or no expectations---they never have to change--they are never expected to change or grow--they just remain----DGI-----------and we---never get hurt.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....
Marsha