My therapist, on maintaining one's internal locus of control in the face of constantly critical/uncomprending presences in one's life -- the kind of people who suck the soul and morale and energy out of you:
"You know, it's okay to listen politely, nod your head and say you understand...and then walk away thinking, Fuck you."
10 comments:
Brilliant!
Can I have your therapist's number?
I've seriously done just that with one person in particular in my life recently. In my case, it was my mentor who gave me permission to do just this (I like to think of him as an older, wiser version of me - fellow Nebraska farm boy turned pastor).
My feeling exactly!
I LIKE your therapist
Your therapist impresses me. I seem to have a knack for doing just that anyway... perhaps I need a lesson in compassion?
What dona said!
I think perhaps this is what Jesus was talking about when he said, "shake the dust from your sandals." ;-)
If I were given permission to do this I'd probably impulsively say it outloud. I've actually said somewhat less rough things to my son and I get it thrown back in my face because I'm supposed to be the "adult." But he speaks like that all the time.
I'm finally grasping that sometimes I just have to listen to people without commenting or giving advice or my opinion, etc. Hard for me to do, since I'm verbally impulsive.
Whether your therapist said it or you thought it - it is not a Christ-like sentiment...and it's not loving our neighbors as ourselves. Our neighbors include those who it is hard to love and also those who don't affirm us all of the time.
Oh, and this is a therapist?
a professional person?
Does this count as official permission!
'Cuz I do it all the time.
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