thunder thieves

have you ever been bursting with excitement about something? it is such a good feeling, isn't it? someone tells you a bit of news, and you find yourself repeating that news to anyone who will listen, simply because your excitement is spilling over into each conversation you have. whether it's "my sister finally had the baby!" or "i got the job!", some things are too overwhelmingly GOOD to keep to yourself. and that's what friends are for, to listen and say "good for you!" or "wow that's great!" or "i am SO PROUD OF YOU!"

i have noticed far too often that there are some friends who will give you a brief congratulations and then migrate the topic of conversation to their own central universe, and share a bit of their own good fortune. trading stories is one thing, and conversations are absolutely a volley between humans, but what i am trying to explain is something different. to put it bluntly, they're thunder thieves.

it is my true belief that everyone in this world is good deep down and that most of the time, especially with our friends, insults in any fashion are inadvertent. these people are completely unaware they are thunder thieves. in my heart of hearts i think that they are simply so not self aware, they don't understand that this is a form of selfishness. it is truly bizarre to me how not self aware people can be, but i do think that this is where the problem lies.

it is a shame too, because listening is SO important. a brief congratulations sometimes just isn't enough for someone, they need to gush. is listening to someone's gushing always the most fun? not so much. but sometimes it is necessary to just be genuinely happy for someone. don't trump their news with a bit of your own. just sit, and listen. nod, smile, and maybe even give the occasional hand squeeze, arm rub, or hug. throw in a "that's soooo great!" it will make your friend feel so important to have the conversation focused on them and their news for a long period of time, and it will make YOU feel good that you were the person who was there for them.

i try my best to be self aware. it is not always easy, but certainly worth it. with self awareness comes self improvement, and who doesn't like that?

lots of love,

madeline.