Archive for August, 2010
Many years ago, I had a problem with stomach ulcers. As part of my treatment, my doctor told me not to eat anything with a skin on it such as grapes, tomatoes, plums, etc. I was allowed to eat them as long as I peeled them first. Somehow, peeling grapes did not appeal to me so I avoided all fruit with skins on them.
They say that whatever you fear, or hate most in life will plague you until you find a way to deal with it. That is a statement that used to make me see red, until one day I decided to open my mind and test that theory. I had always believed it was better to avoid that which I detested, or feared. I did not believe that facing my fears would in any way help me cope with things I abhorred.
One of my brothers is a technical writer. He applied to a company in France to bid on a contract. When it came time to go for his interview, he wanted to impress them so he went shopping for a new suit, shirt, tie, and shoes. He wanted to appear as professional as possible. Unfortunately, the day he took his flight to Paris, he felt like he was coming down with the flu. He didn’t have much choice in the matter so even though he felt worse as the day progressed, he had to keep his appointment.
I learned early on that when my friend Marlene and I go out in public, I have to make her swear that she will behave herself and not do anything to embarrass me. It is a painful oath for her to keep, but nevertheless a very necessary one for me to make her keep, if I going to be able to maintain some sense of dignity on my outings with her.