CONTACTS

I made myself laugh recently. That's not really news, because that happens quite often. Maybe THAT'S why I'm not a stand-up comedian... or is it I'm not THAT funny.... and I wouldn't remember my jokes if I wrote them down.... or maybe I just don't want to perform in front of an audience. Whatever the reason, after I was done chuckling, I pondered the reason – I got a new phone and was concerned about the people I had as contacts on the old phone not being able to reach me.

Ok, maybe it's not funny to YOU, but let me explain....

I've kept hundreds of numbers in my phones, just in case. I don't know what the “just-in-case” was exactly, but I figured they would call someday. Now understand, some of these numbers were folks from 10 years ago, living in Philly. They haven't called in a decade or so, why would I think they would suddenly pick up their cell and wonder how I'M doing?????

Yes I know the phone rings on BOTH ends, but I have a fairly new philosophy on who I maintain contact with. If I make an effort and none is returned, I stop. No anger, no second thoughts, just a clear understanding of where I stand in their life. It doesn't make them a bad person, it just makes them an acquaintance, not a friend.

So here I was, worrying about a bunch of acquaintances, (and honestly, not remembering a LOT of the names...ugh). Is old-timers kicking in ALREADY????

I used to let that really get to me. I would wonder what I did wrong that they didn't want to chat, had no desire to hang out, or even stay in touch. But, like anything, if you experience it enough, you become immune. I hope not JADED, but at least less sensitive to what people choose to do. I finally realized that folks can't be forced into friendship. Just like a romantic relationship that both people do not feel the same, you can't make lemonade with a tomato. As easy as that sounds, it was a long journey to get to this “enlightened” me. I never claimed “intelligence” was a skillset I possessed. Maybe it was re-possessed.

So all this went through my head as I contemplated people losing touch... in someone they ALREADY lost touch with!

Ok... maybe it WASN'T funny.... but it made ME laugh.

Maybe I need to get out more....