Okay, I got past the title. Was struggling with the vocabulary because, really, when a person is being a big time jerk others call him/her an asshole, although not usually to their face. Somehow, my good-girl, Southern upbringing is still enough intact that I can’t quite be that profane in the title. On the other hand, I don’t want to dilute completely the sentiment by saying “idiot” or “brat”. (The later seems to be my daughter’s favorite put down these days.)
So, in truth, this is a post about our asshole potential.
Clearly, he has lost his mind (and effectiveness).
Yesterday I was awed by a friend’s zealous commitment to a Big Home Project. I had never known said friend to be handy or so domestically inclined. Turns out, work has a high stress potential in the next few months and this diversion will help release the tension. I was impressed by such pro-activity and self awareness. Make that, self-awareness nudged into place with the help of his lovely wife.
Very astutely, she saw what was on the horizon and anticipated the possiblity of frustration-fueled bad behavior. More importantly, she had the chutzpah to ask what he was going to do so he wouldn’t become an asshole.
I thought this was great! What do I do to keep from becoming an asshole? Sweat through P90X at 5am, journal, vent to appropriate resources (thanks Mom!), end my day escaping in a novel, and hike with my smiley Golden.
- Look at that face! Antidote to crankiness.
Naturally, I was curious:
What keeps you from becoming an asshole?
Then I realized a big piece of not being an asshole is knowing when we’ve crossed the line or are getting close. Most people are too intimidated or annoyed by assholes or assholes-in-the-make to jump into that scary conversation. Maybe the more important question is:
Who cares enough to tell you when you’re being an asshole?
Cherish those true few.
My 4 year old daughter cares enough. She says “your not being nice!” it definitely makes you think about it.
Good post Cindy!