Relationships of Life

Six months ago I dated a guy named Ethan.  He was the second nicest guy I ever went out with.  We only went on three dates because the chemistry just wasn't there.  Two weeks after we stopped going out, my friend Teresa called me and said she was set up on a blind date with him.  Clearly I told her to go for it because maybe they would hit it off.  And they did.  They have been dating about six months and things have been progressing.  Just this week they decided to invite a bunch of their friends over and hosted a BBQ.  This was really only the second time I saw them interact with each other.  That was two days ago.

Today, I got a call from my friend saying that Ethan and Teresa are getting engaged tomorrow night. "What?" I said.  I couldn't believe it nor could I stop laughing (I respond to anything by laughing). I don't know why this is so strange for me! Most of you will think that I think it's weird because I dated him and now he will be in my life forever.  But I promise you in good faith that it's not that.  I think it's just odd because even though I dated him and I know him, I don't know them as a couple.  I know Teresa and I know Ethan, but I don't know Teresa and Ethan as a pair, together.

I only hope that not knowing them as one entity changes really fast.  I hope that since they will be now be termed engaged, I'll come to know their relationship more and feel more comfortable.  And like my other friends have said, "They are getting married and you will hopefully know them longer together as a couple than you knew them in their single years."

Ever want to tell a person off? Want to yell exactly what is on your mind? Of course you refrain for fear or embarrassment for both you and the person to whom you'd be yelling at.  It is easy to get angry, and it is much harder to control the anger.  Anything can bother you and make the hairs on your arms stick up and figurative smoke come steaming through your ears and nose.  It is important to stop for a moment and in a quick second evaluate the situation.

I will explain this in a way to which everyone can relate.  Parents. Mom and Dad.  Of course they do things which are bothersome to their children.  It only gets worse as the children grow into adults.  They forget something important that you told them.  They don't understand what you are saying and you in turn get extremely frustrated with them.  Or they think they can use the same parenting skills that they used when you were five years old.  The next time a situation like this arises, you must stop what you are doing.  Count to three (or whatever number is takes to calm down), breathe, and decide what to do.  Either suck is up and take the beating (not literally, but rather yelling) or speak to your parents (ahem, your elders) in a composed fashion.  They will hopefully appreciate this act of maturity.

What it comes down to is that these people are your parents; they raised you, supported you, and cared for you.  You owe them respect and they deserve it.  Treat them as you want your kids to treat you.  If you treat your parents in this way, it will become second nature to control your hot temper with others as well.