9.
“I cannot stand it when friends/acquaintances say (without bad intention), statements such as, ‘You are so strong, I could never travel alone or go to a restaurant alone…’ While it starts out flattering, in the end, I almost feel like I need to apologize for being able to do these things.”
“Last year, I chose to drive from Ohio to Utah for a week-long family reunion. My family has watched me traverse the globe after being in the Air Force for 24 years, so they didn’t seem to think much of it. My new dog was a great traveling companion with me, and it was wonderful. When I returned, I had several people who didn’t know me well, I guess, comment on how they could have never done what I did, but they did not say it flatteringly. I told them what I enjoyed, including my adventures in getting a young dog into the hotel room, running out in the morning before he had an accident, and so on. Still, what was said, while not outright rude, was said in a tone that made them think I was out of my mind. I should have said, ‘It’s too bad you don’t enjoy your own company, thoughts, and dreams enough to want to make some of those come true.’ One person who said that to me is a person who is dying to travel but whose husband hates to travel. I should feel sorry for her. This year is the first time I’ve ever told myself and some family friends, ‘I love my life.’ Articles like this one have helped me see that I’m not so odd, which is so empowering to me.”
—61, Ohio
Source link
