A close friend called today, asked in a somber tone if I ‘had a minute’ (which should have been my clue) and proceeded to call me on the carpet for a mix of valid and invalid infractions.
Oy.
Two hours later, we were back on the same page and wavelength again, thankfully. Interestingly, I learned a few things about myself in the process.
For starters, I have finally learned how to listen without going immediately into defense mode. I can listen for what is valid about what the other person is saying.
Secondly, I have finally figured out that not everything someone else says is my shit to deal with. Sometimes, it’s theirs.
And most importantly, I can acknowledge their hurt without taking on displaced blame.
This getting older crap isn’t all bad.
Maybe I’ll learn how to do this someday. Good job!