(09-22-2016, 02:00 AM)chaosvrgn Wrote: Seems like a lot of the rage is directed at friends and family's past and current attempts to manipulate me, and I'm having a very visceral reaction to it. Shutting them down fast and hard -- without any consideration as to what it'll do to the relationship. I've developed this, "you'll stop what you're doing or we're done" kind of attitude. My entire life is being reshaped, slowly but surely. I have a business colleague / friend that's very negative. Every time you bring up an idea, he shoots it down, or starts bringing up all the ways it'll fail, or starts talking about all the things you'll need to succeed. All in the name of "skepticism." He also likes to look down on certain things because he's an "artist" and thinks he's above making money. I'm diminishing his role in my life to minimal, partly because of the aforementioned issues. Also because he only ever wants to hang out if he's depressed and wants someone to dump his negative energy on. **** that. Not interested. I'm no one's emotional trash can.
I came across a quote from a comedian that helps me cheer up when I find myself in such a situation:
"If you're looking for sympathy you'll find it between shit and syphilis in the dictionary." David Sedaris
I have never said it in anyone's face, but just the thought of saying it helps me get a good laugh in my stomach.
Confront your problems. Walk away from BS. Seek wisdom to know the difference.