5 Things I’ve Learned this Week from Sloppy People
I consider myself very lucky. I have a fairly easy job and work with fairly decent people. It’s that rare once in awhile treat of a shift with the office’s disgruntled-ball-of-nerves that makes it all truly rewarding though. I always come away with a new life lesson. Tell me what you think of these leave-it-to-beaver gems:
1.) Strangers aren’t your friends. They are strangers. Be wary.
At the beginning of any relationship is that critical getting-to-know-you phase. This is the time in friendship building where you learn about the other person; that sometimes awkward journey through their likes and dislikes, personality quirks, and overall demeanor. THIS IS NATURAL AND NEEDS TO HAPPEN! Random Toms, Dicks, and Harrys should not know that you do side-work for the mafia, enjoy auto-erotic asphyxiation on the weekends, or do eight-balls during your lunch break. This knowledge will develop over time. Lesson: Out-of-the-blue confessions to people who haven’t earned your trust/respect is only fodder for future gossip.
2.) Respect the separation of Work and Home.
If your spouse didn’t put his/her hands on you, then there’s really no need for anyone to know about anything going on at home. I’m single, the best I can do is tell you how awesome life is without a husband and kids. Lesson: If you are going through some things, tell your friends and if you aren’t sure who they are see No. 1 above.
3.) Stop bitchin’.
I’m so guilty of this! I will complain to anyone willing to listen just for the opportunity to open my big mouth. After eight hours of hearing someone bellyache over a molehill, I apologized to all my co-workers and started life anew on a fresh path! To all my fellow complainers there are two things you should know: a) No one gives a damn. Seriously, no one cares about how screwed up things are with the leadership or about the schedule or “how things should be done around here!” Just stop it. Just. Stop. It. 2) The complaint more than likely has nothing to do with you and you are just adding your outside-lookin-in two cents. I’m certain that the saying “adding my two cents in,” is a testament of how much an opinion is really worth… So Ms. Tiara, from this day forth you will not shoot off at the mouth about things you aren’t 100% on and you will not bitch about things that take a phone call to fix or things that can’t be fixed. Lesson: I got 99 problems and yours ain’t one.
4.) Negativity is draining
I can understand not being into different things, new places, and/or fresh faces…On second thought no, I really can’t understand that. At all. Lesson: If your first response is usually “no I don’t do that” followed by “what is that?” Just shhh. Shh. Trust me. Shh.
5.) Real badasses do alot of punching not talking.
People can’t create their own reputations, their actions speak for them. You can gab all day about what you would have done or how you don’t take any shit but #WeDon’tBelieveYou. The proof is in the pudding and until I hear from someone else that you were all up in so-and-so’s face I’m just going to smile and nod while reading the latest issue of VIBE. Lesson: Quiet dogs bite hard #mosdef
So, did you recognize yourself in any of these examples? If you did, what are you going to do to change? Are there any other sloppy people habits that annoy you? Tell me about them.
