June 18, 2025 Awkward...

 I've found myself at the point where I don't want to go out anymore. You've heard the old adage that you know you live in a small town when everyone knows more about you than you. Now, before I get started, I need to clarify that those coming to me with questions are not showing malice or ill intent by approaching me. It is all about putting all of us in a very uncomfortable position.

People make assumptions all the time. I'm just as guilty, although I'll certainly be more careful now. As part of a big family and still living in our hometown, it's only natural that many would assume there is a still a bond simply because of geography or that we shared a surname.

I am struggling to phrase this carefully so as not to inflame what is already a fractured and dysfunctional relationship, also because frankly, it's no one's business. 

There has been concern regarding a family member and I have been confronted several times with questions I cannot answer. My kindest stock reply is along the lines of that I just don't know (because I don't). I do encourage them to go to the source with their concerns, that it would be more appreciated (I think). I also thank them for caring, but just don't know what to tell them. Short of saying nothing and just walking away, I don't have a clue what else I can do.

This is what makes it awkward. Am I worried to what they may be alluding? Of course I am. Can I do anything about it? No.

Please don't view this as airing dirty laundry. I've made it clear from the beginning  that this blog is simply a way for me to help me organize my thoughts, laugh at myself, get in a bit of therapy, or document a minute in my life for future reference. I'm not a popular site, thankfully. 

I feel a ton lifted from me by putting this latest conundrum down in print. 

If you are a reader, I'd appreciate your discretion. If you have a suggestion as to how I can handle things better, I'm all ears. 

You know where you can find me. ☘

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