Re(3): Listening to the notorious

Carl, I well understand what you're going through, even if I don't have all the details. I work with people who push me to the limit as well, for whom complaining and stirring up a hornet's nest is a way of life, who want to draw me into commiserating with them and who make snide remarks to and about me if I don't. It's hard to be patient with them, to know when it's right to say something and what should be said.

What I try to keep in mind is that we should treat everyone with respect, whether they deserve it or not. But at the same time we should treat ourselves with respect as well and not allow ourselves to be a whipping post for others. At times I have been known to just look at a person in total silence, simply offering a slight smile as a response, and let them figure out what it means.

I recall one instance in particular when I was trying to get out at the end of my day and someone else kept complaining about one thing and another. I just listened silently. She said, "no comment?" And I answered, "what can I say to that?" She has never complained to me since.

I think that you are right to have the attitude you do that you can learn from all, that you should surround yourself with men who can teach you to be better than you are, reach the good goals you have for yourself. At the same time, keep praying that God will show you the difference between what a person says that might have some truth, something you need to hear, and what you may safely discard and walk away from. Remember that He is there with you, always, willing and able to walk beside you and lead you in the way He wants you to go.

Blessings
Karen