Tense me
I just have to talk about something that we got into at work today. When someone asks you how you are, is it OK to just say "fine" or "good" or must we always answer with "GREAT!" or "TERRIFIC!" even though we really feel just OK? If something is bothering us, and it is because a parent is sick or has passed away, or another loved one is having problems, or we are sick ourselves or having money problems, should we always put on the game face and say that we are terrific?
One of my co-workers, who I really like, is on a mission to change me and my attitude, and I think my attitude is really just fine, thank-you. I know he was just kidding about this (I think) but it kind of got to me. I don't go around saying how depressed I am or how sick or tired I feel so I'm not sure where this is coming from. Maybe it's just my crabby looking face! I'll go on the defensive if he keeps bugging me about this. Or maybe I'll just tell him what he wants to hear...
Loving, sweet me
Though I haven't been stitching myself, I have enjoyed seeing everyone's beautiful works. I will get back into it shortly. I've been shopping for a car for DS, college shopping for DD, gardening, had a yard sale, and now we need to start painting the trim on our house as well as find someone to take down some trees and maybe put in a patio (I hope, I hope!).
Thanks for stopping by! Let me know what you think about the "how are you" thing.
6 comments:
I usually just say "fine" or "not bad, thanks" unless I'm feeling REALLY good, then I might say "great!" I certainly wouldn't say "terrific" or "fantastic" unless I was incredibly happy about something. Having said that, I'm a Brit and we're usually a little more reserved ;) I think though, that it's OK just to say "fine" or "good" if you're not feeling quite so bright.
I don't think one is obligated to give a "cheerleading" I am great answer!!! I think you should be able to say "I am okay." I wouldn't "burden" the other person with all my woes (unless you are my best friend, and then forget it; you are going to hear everything!). But there is no need for false cheer at all times.
And another thing! Why ask someone how they are when you don't really want to know. Why not just a simple greeting of Hello or something like that.
Hi Barb--Thanks for visiting my blog! I'm always happy to "meet" new stitchers--especially "neighbors" in Ohio. I live in the Pittsburgh area, my husband is from the Youngstown area so we go back there frequently. My "Ornament a Week" challenge has been fun and I've been clearing out a lot of those small patterns that I had on my "to do" list, but, at the same time, I miss the larger projects! Anyway--I enjoyed looking through your blog...looks as though we like to stitch many of the same things. And I love the egg photos in your blog's header!
I agree with you--we always say we're great. But I'm thinking no one really wants to hear how my life is sometimes, lol. Love your header pics-so pretty!
I wish it were okay to just say "I'm fine" when someone asks how I am, but it usually leads to a discussion of "what's wrong". Luckily (I guess), not many people over here ask that.
In grad school, there was this guy who thought it was his mission to make me smile. I think it's along the same lines as having to have a cheery "I'm great!" response. An unhappy woman is a dangerous woman. One time he even hugged me. Apparently, he didn't know how dangerous I could be.
Most of the time, people are only asking in the most cursory way so it doesn't matter what you say, no one's looking for the truth. We used to tell the people who complained about our programs, "Thank you for your helpful input." Sarcasm to us, satisfactory to them. You need to find that answer.
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