I have this "friend", or perhaps an acquaintance. Let's call her Cheryl. Cheryl sews and quilts and enjoys other crafty projects. Cheryl always asks me to see what I'm working on. I enjoy talking "shop" with fellow sewers/quilters and Cheryl and I will often brainstorm about a project. She offers great constructive criticism.
BUT at the end of every single conversation Cherly always makes some generic negative comment. Not specifically about my project but then again it very well could be. It seems she has to have the last word and it's not going to be a nice one. It's kind of like you are wearing a new shirt and Cheryl will say "Is that a new shirt? Not many people can wear that style." leaving you to wonder if you are one of those not many people and are walking around looking like a fool when you think you are looking grand.
I know this is how are conversations are going to end and normally just ignore it. This past week though Cheryl's latest negative general closing comment rubbed me the wrong way. In fact, I've taken it so poorly I haven't even worked on my project, which is almost done and which I know there is nothing wrong with it. In fact, I'm about ready to put it in the doomsday bin which is ridiculous because I have a ton of time in it.
Silly. Really. I need to move on.
SMART SHOPPING: The following ad in today's newspaper --- "Breast Augmentation Special. Buy one breast at regular price and get the second free."
Some purple flowers because they are pretty.
Cheryl would say, "Yeah, those grow in everyone's yard."
I think I'll go sew. Really.
People like that suck. They suck the happiness out of other people, and that is just terrible. Don't let her get you down!
Posted by: Jenny | June 14, 2009 at 06:56 PM
I hope I never do that to you. I know I have tendency to relate things to what I know and comment along that vein. Your work is worth much more than to let someone elses negativity get you down. You are good at it and even the fact that you blog about it shows that it really matters to you. Keep your chin up and carry on.
Posted by: cherrie | June 14, 2009 at 07:09 PM
DON'T put it in the Doomsday Bin. It's more than wonderful, I'm 100% sure, and I haven't even seen it yet.
Posted by: The Sister | June 15, 2009 at 12:14 PM
Sometimes you have to decide if a friendship is really worth the effort and grief. Maybe this is one of those friendships.
Posted by: Chris | June 15, 2009 at 09:35 PM
I know it's harder said than done, but I have found that my life is a happier when I avoid non-productive relationships! I talk a little bit about this here:
http://candiedfabrics.wordpress.com/2009/06/04/forced-spring-cleaning/
after a nice comment really cheering up a miserable week I was having!
Anyway, speaking of non-productive...those little rivets you sent me arrived safe and sound a week ago, and I've been to busy to 1) try them out or 2) Send you a THANK YOU email! What a jerk I am ;-)
Posted by: Candied Fabrics | June 15, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Thoes flowers don't grow in my yard so they are pretty and your project is beautiful, because you made it (and that is what counts). Please finish it and don't let her comments get you down.
Grace
Posted by: Grace | June 17, 2009 at 09:44 AM
When I was growing up my mother had a couple of friends like that. My word for it is snide. At this stage of my life I realize that they were very unhappy women who enjoyed dragging others down. Taken in that context they can be tolerated. BTW I loved the patterns you sent me and I keep looking at them and trying to decide which one I want to 'manipulate' first! Thanks!
Posted by: laura | June 27, 2009 at 11:44 PM