It’s all about “moi”
We all know these kinds of people. You know the ones I’m talking about, the unreasonable and self-centered…
The guy pushing his way in front of the line to rebook a flight after the scheduled one had been cancelled.
The woman honking madly trying to cram her way into the parking lot that read, “lot full”.
I even had a former husband (emphasis on the word “former”) give me an ultimatum, “my way or the highway”!
We just don’t acquire this “quality” as an adult. While teaching a 6th grade Gifted & Talented class we toured the IT department at University of California at San Diego. making our way through the maze of huge computers reading “Do Not Touch”, one of the boys disregarded the signs, adjusting all the levers. When I inquired as to what he thought he was doing, he responded, “I’m gifted”!
Rules are meant to be broken and signs ignored are standard operating procedure for these people. Their daily mantra is “I’m number 1”.
They have no time for anyone else but “moi”. Their narrow concerns are for their time, their own wishes, their comfort, their views and their importance.
What do we do with these people?
Mother Teresa’s steers us in the path of forgiveness.
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.”
WHAT??? WHY??? HOW???? Here are my 3 tools for dealing with the “unreasonable and self-centered”:
REMEMBER: We are here on earth enrolled in this school called Life. One of the major lessons to learn is that of forgiveness. How would we learn this invaluable lesson if we didn’t have the egocentric on which to practice? Forgiveness is not for the other person, but heals within.
RERAIN: Wish them no harm…no retribution, no getting even. Although you might ache to see their “comeuppance”, refrain from being dragged down to their level.
LET GO: This is more their problem than yours. Put the situation in the hands of God trying to stay emotionally “uninvolved”. There is a Bigger Picture that we are not privy to on “this side”. We will see how it “all comes together” in the future.
With these three tools for coping with the unreasonable and self centered, don’t forget Mother Teresa’s admonition: “forgive them”.
How do you feel when you run into one of the “unreasonable and self-centered” people? What do you do? Please comment and share below.
Are you trying to develop faith in this modern age? I came across a wonderful resource. This site includes ways to connect to schools, spiritual publications, and lots more. “Top 100 Facebook Pages for Catholics”: http://www.catholicdatingsites.net/top-100-facebook-pages-for-catholics/
Here’s to your happiness!