tempestuously: ([wolf] the beast inside)
tempestuously ([personal profile] tempestuously) wrote2009-09-30 09:26 am
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I have a killer headache and I wish I didn't have to go to work because of it. But I am in a mostly good mood with one exception. I think I'm going to start reevaluating how much attention I pour on other people. I never really notice I do it. But it seems they don't either. And I guess I'm just tired of it always being one-way. Because at this point, I'm not sure what standards I should be reaching for and will just accept it doesn't matter what I do. Bleh.

As for the other stuff that usually goes on this journal, I have been busy with work and it's limited my time for other stuff, but I'll try to get back to it. Maybe.

[identity profile] nayami.livejournal.com 2009-09-30 05:18 pm (UTC)(link)
This is a generalized statement that works quite well in theory, but not so much in practice. Meaning I love doing things just to make others happy. It's just a simple joy I get in seeing people smile or seem excited about something. It's a great feeling. That said, I have been told many times that my personality and way of life result in constant one-way connections. It just makes me wonder if most (not all) of said connections are not better served being involved in something mutual. Or maybe I'm just unable to understand how a person that cares so much about people is typically left on her own. And I cannot help feeling used. It sucks, but after so many times...
unicorn: a unicorn skull. (lenny bruce is not afraid.)

[personal profile] unicorn 2009-09-30 05:45 pm (UTC)(link)
That was actually my point - that if your sense of being used is worse than your being happy to do stuff for people, then you should cut back.

In my experience, which is in no way comprehensive, the "user" in these situations usually doesn't realize that the other party feels that way, since the one-way flow of attention has generally been established for some time and feels like the norm. If that's the case, the other person usually tries to change if you talk to them about it, because they thought they had a mutual connection already. But your mileage may vary there.

edit: oooh, [livejournal.com profile] dragonsong12 is much more articulate than me today.
Edited 2009-09-30 17:46 (UTC)