I’m Different From You (Weekly Challenger 8/11/2008)
Last week we looked at the fallacious notion that everyone has the same experiences, knowledge and attitudes as we do. This week, let’s look at another assumption we make about our experiences:
I’m the only one who’s ever done this/felt this way.
It’s the exact opposite of last week’s assumption, and it’s equally false. It generally shows up in a negative way as in, “No one else is as bad at time management/self-discipline/organization, etc., as I am.” In fact, the number one comment I hear in my teleclasses is, “It’s so wonderful to realize that I’m not the only one.”
So you’re not the only one who has whatever issue you think is yours alone. This week, watch for that “no one else is . . .” mindset, and remind yourself that there are thousands, if not millions, of other people who feel the exact same way.
And if you want to be an overachiever, go on the Internet and find yourself a support group. There’s one out there no matter what your challenge, problem, or issue is.
You are not alone.
November 12th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
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November 13th, 2008 at 11:03 pm
Just commenting on the Sad situation of the couple that were eating lunch in the same place, each pulling out something to read.
I recall when my husband and I were just married. We had decided that we were going out for dinner that evening after we both had a full day. I got home, and got dressed for the evening, and waited for my husband to show up. He got all gussied up and then we got into the car and drove to the restruant for our dinner. All the way there in the car I didn’t say a word. My husband started asking me questions for example how my day had gone and things like that. I was silent during the drive over still. My husband would steel looks at me while driving and I said nothing. We got to the resturant and seated. Decided upon our meal, placed the order recieved our drinks. Took our first sip and then I started off the conversation. My husband took another look at me, shook his head and asked me what was the problem. Problem, I asked? No problem, my dear. Well, why are you talking to me now, and when we were in the car gave me the silent treatment. What gives? Everything is fine! What I didn’t want to admit to was the truth. The truth was, I didn’t want the other diners to be looking at us and wondering why we wern’t talking. I didn’t want to run out of things to say to my husband. Now we have been married for over 40 years, and I am thinking that when I am silent, he is very happy for that, because it doen’t happen all that often. There is something to be said for the “comfortable quiet time”. I love talking to him, he always finds something interesting to tell me. I am very fortunate in my life with my husband and kids.
Having somthing to laugh about is very important to me. I will go out of my way to read up on a joke, or the “funny” papers, or have some one tell me somthing funny. So I hope that you all got somthing funny out of my embarresing experience.
Thankx for listening.
Carly
November 18th, 2008 at 8:20 am
Hi, Carly,
I’ve been known to save up things to talk about also, and not just with my hubby. It’s funny though–I’ve never needed to use them. I guess my friends and family and I are just naturally gabby.
And it’s true that comfortable silence is great as well. Like so many things in life, you need a balance.
Congratulations on over 40 years of marriage. We met 28 years ago, and have been married 20. Like anything worthwhile, it takes a lot of work–but it’s worth it! Lynn