A few days ago I mentioned that I was going to try to be more respectful in work and life. I haven’t forgotten. Once I’d written it down (or to be more literal, typed it) and thought about it, I really realized how much poor attitudes are dragging me down. Today I read with interest Shepherd Susies post, Ladies a Word Please? and realized this is definitely a huge part of my own personal frustration. Gossip, and women’s ability to tear each other apart with no compunction whatsoever.
If you haven’t read her post, I’d like to ask you to take a moment and do so.
I feel fortunate to have met Susie once a few years ago. We didn’t chat long, it was shearing day when she had the farm in New York State, so she didn’t have a lot of time to chat. But I remember a gracious sweet person, who I would like to get to know better. When she moved to Virginia, I was happy for her, as it was a good move, but I was disappointed as it meant I was not likely to see her again in the foreseeable future. So, to have someone say something so malicious about her seems unthinkable.
I have been told in the past that people thought I was a bitch, because I seemed so unfriendly – I am very shy. Those who know me often express doubt about this. In fact one person in particular has argued extensively with me about it. I have worked very hard to overcome this shyness. It still slows me down. So I know what it feels like to be told that someone thought you were a bitch. It hurts.
The second story she mentions hits home pretty closely too. I have a 10 year old daughter. One of the things I want for her is to never worry about what she weighs or how she looks. I want her to be healthy. The images and attitudes that surround girls today push thin and since she’s my daughter, she most likely won’t have that boyish figure. I want her to be comfortable in her skin, and I really don’t know how to do that. So, without going into long-winded tangents, short story long is I am concerned about eating disorders.
So, what can we do to keep it positive? Reduce the malicious gossip? On a grand scale, I’m still not sure, but on a small one, I’m going to see what I can do. If nothing I think it will help me feel better.
I knit alone 