I always forget we are creatures of habit till that moment hits. I have a relative who is a woodworker, but the reality is they just love collecting wood because they worked at a sawmill as a teenager and talking about wood was all his peers did. I also have a friend who wears the same cologne since childhood because a crush once complimented them on it.
I suppose always being the “good friend” (in their parents eyes) made me more sociable, so now I avoid “events” because I just feel like it’s a game and I don’t want my interactions with other people to feel that way (love small gatherings with a purpose though, the Amish got it right with the barn raising).
What are some that you’ve experienced personally or through someone close to you?
Recently, my supervisor at work was berating my friend over something ridiculous. I was standing 2 feet away when it occurred. I was surprised at how it oddly put me back into my childhood, reminding me of when my dad would scream at my mom and I was powerless to stop it. I ended up blubbering some nonsense to try to distract my supervisor, but it didn’t really work. It’s frustrating to not be able to protect those you care about. I guess it’s in my nature to want to fiercely defend the people who I am loyal to, but I also don’t have a way to do it without getting myself or the person I am defending in trouble.