This afternoon, I called Ellen and received a text message in response saying, “I’ll call you back.” I dozed off while waiting for the return call from Ellen. So, I was a bit dopy when I picked up.
When Ellen finally returned my call via Facetime, she immediately informed me that she had been dealing with stressful phone conversations prior to mine. Not long into our conversation, she became distracted by someone playing basketball in the hallway or apartment. She then started talking with her daughter in the background while still on video chat with me.
Finally, I put my head down on my desk, just waiting for it all to end. When Ellen noticed this, she reacted rather negatively, saying, “If I’m boring you, I’m just going to go.” I said “ok” and let the call end without further comment.
I’m at a point in life where I just don’t need to tolerate negative attitudes, especially when people act uninterested or complain constantly. If someone would not accept such behavior from me, I shouldn’t accept it from them, regardless of how long we’ve been friends or how loyal they’ve been.
Boundaries are important, and raising my standards is necessary for my own well-being. No one else will do it for me. Perhaps when I mysteriously begin receiving work-related calls or other fabricated opportunities that get me off the phone with a party turning offensive, “maybe people will wake up when they figure out what’s going on”?
