I don't ask for very much from people. I'm not high maintenance; I don't expect gifts, I don't expect expensive dinners, I don't expect to be paid for, I don't expect to be put ahead of everything else in your life, I don't expect to be put before your other friends. I don't expect diddly squat, except four things:
1) Speak up.
If I do something that pisses you off, give me the benefit of the doubt and assume that whatever I did was unintentional. It is not in my nature to do anything intentionally hurtful; in fact, I often put my own comfort aside to accomodate the needs and quirks of others. If I do something that upsets you, tell me in that moment, and make sure I understand what specific action didn't work so well for you. Don't tell me a day later, don't wait a month, and worst of all, don't NOT tell me. I'm a big tough girl, and I can take criticism.
Give me data. Don't be silent or mysterious, because I am not a mindreader. I can't know where you are mentally, spiritually, emotionally, anything-ally if you're not giving me information. Once I have solid data, I can then choose my next course of action; typically this course of action (if the request is reasonable) will include accomodating you. However, the management reserves the right to tell you on rare occasions to shaddap and suck it up.
2) Ask.
If you want something, ask for it. Don't get all pissy or dejected because I didn't "feel" what you were secretly hoping for.
If you want to know something, ask me. Be prepared to hear the truth. Do NOT assume you know or understand my position on something. There are very few topics I won't discuss, and if you happen to touch on one, I'll let you know.
3) Trust me.
Trust that I am competent. If I don't understand something, I'm not afraid to seek explanation or clarification. I expect the same. Don't nod in agreement unless you understand and agree.
Trust my driving skills, trust my work ethic, trust my money-time-life management skills; trust that my choices are right for me. I encourage your "hey did you ever consider looking at this way" comments, and all will be considered. Don't be offended if it is discarded.
4) Be aware of yourself
Try to be aware of how you're coming across. Even if your intention is pure and good, if your brow is furrowed it's not going to be perceived as such.
People will typically accomodate you within certain parameters, but don't be surprised when you get a foot up your ass when you say stuff like, "This is just how I am, and sometimes I come across poorly, so deal with it." Trust that you will be accomodated to a certain point, as long as you are taking active steps to fix it. Otherwise, expect a life full of boot.
In other news... This could only happen in the minors ....
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=816&e=1&u=/ap/20040501/ap_on_fe_st/bbm_bathroom_break
Fortune Teller Miracle Fish today tells me that I am: Indifferent. I'm sensing a trend, here.
