Take Two and Call Me In the Morning

I haven't been writing much as of late. I realize this. Not that I think anyone is wondering where I went. Just haven't had all that much to say. My world has been mostly about my makeover. Which is not exactly exciting to anyone else... I don't think.

So, one area I'm looking to makeover is some of my relationships. Or lackthereof, I suppose. Basically - this is how it's got to go. I want my relationships to be a two-way street. You reach out to me, I reach out to you. And vice versa. There needs to be a little give and take. From both sides. Sadly, I make myself feel the slight sting of rejection from time to time by asking (in a blanket statement) if my friends want to join me for this, that or the other thing. The good friends get back to me. The not so good friends tend to just ignore the emails I send. While I can understand missing them or forgetting to respond from time to time... each and every time definitely sends me the message I think I'm supposed to be getting.

"Don't bother asking me to hang out... I don't want to hang out with you... to the point that I'm not even going to react to your invitation."

I wasn't aware that the people I knew got so many invitations on such a regular basis that they simply can't get back to me because they're swamped.

Ok... I don't believe that. I'm sure there are varied reasons why they don't get back to me. I'm absolutely sure of it. Those who get a pass - married with kids. I am well aware that they usually can't go for one reason or another... whether it be money or lack of babysitters or being just plain old tired. They may, also, just simply want to be home with their favorite people... their kids. While I still would appreciate a word or two of "sorry, can't make it because...", I don't really mind not hearing back from them. Hence, the "pass". Those who do not get a pass... people who forget they have friends because they've found a special friend... a special someone... a romantic partner. I have a few friends who only come around when that area is down and out for them. Seriously? Still? We're not 16 anymore...

Recently I read a quick blurb about how taking an OTC painkiller can help dull the pain of social rejection (because the area of the brain that is affected during social rejection is also affected by this particular pain killer). Which painkiller is it? Acetaminophen. However - just yesterday I read an article on how OTCs can be dangerous if taken too often. While my feelings of social rejection are simply not often enough to warrant worry about the damage taking Tylenol will cause me... I still think the smart move is to simply stop asking instead of risking the side effects of pain medication.

(No, I wasn't really going to take the Tylenol for this kind of thing.)

But, really, folks - all it takes is the occasional "hello", "hiya" or "howya". This is not complicated. As for the invites... "sorry, I can't make it" is all you have to say. If I'm not worth this to you... then why did I even bother?

The simple answer is... because you were worth it to me.