So, recently I joined this neighborhood elist thing. It is supposed to be a way to get to know your neighbors and neighborhood a little better. This is for the most part a good thing. I have always thought that I live in a great neighborhood. They do things here that you usually get in a small community, not one of the largest cities in the US (not just CA).
HOWEVER; there has been a neighborhood tradition here that I have been trying find out how to participate in for quite a few years (like since we moved here). The most I have been able to find out is that there are "block or neighborhood" coordinators for each area. I have not been able to find out just who these elusive coordinators are. Sooo.... the other day I noticed that each house in our neighborhood had a little flag planted in their front yard for the fourth; every one except ours. Someone on the elist mentioned Americana in their conversation and I took the opportunity to ask about all of the flags and also the Christmas trees. I said, innocently enough I thought, that I felt like a red-headed step child which was followed with a cute little smiley face ):. Evidently I must have pissed off a lot of red-heads as I got some pretty, shall we say, snide replies.
Get Over It People. It is just a saying. I am so tired of everyone talking about being PC these days. It is not the words that make a comment incorrect or nasty or demeaning or hurtful, IT IS THE INTENT BEHIND THE WORDS!
When I was little I often heard the words "you're so special" from people who, by rights, should have thought I was a little special, however, I had no doubt that this was not what they meant. For the last 30 years I have heard everyday, at least once a day "you're so special" from a man who has been my husband and friend and by my side always. I know he means it and I feel special.
They are the exact same words! Why did one leave such scars and hurt and the other means everything to me everytime I hear it? INTENT People!
Maybe we should stop "hearing" what others say and really "listen". Listening means you pay attention, you digest the others words and actions and determine intent and response. This of course you need to use some social skills and actually interact with others. Maybe this is a bit much to ask of people today. They may actually have to slow down and pay attention.
A red-headed step child is just a saying from my youth. If it offended any red-heads out there....GET OVER IT!
