As I get older, I find myself wanting something more and more in my life, and that something is less drama.
I'm not talking about the excitement and fun that comes with moving out of our comfort zones and discovering new things. Or that good friend who needs a shoulder to cry on or advice about a tough situation. I'm referring to those in our personal circle who seem to thrive on drawing attention to themselves and pulling others into whatever "crisis" is going on in their lives.
We all know at least one person like that. Maybe it's a co-worker who constantly grumbles about her job. Or maybe it's a certain friend or family member who routinely find themselves "in a pickle" and others rush to bail them out again and again.
Sometimes the situations are real. We all need to vent at times, and we've all encountered difficult circumstances. But I've found that the Drama Queens and Kings of this world create their own chaos by blowing small things out of proportion and then attempt to suck us into their self-made vortex of negativity and playing the victim. We listen, and maybe even offer help or advice, but after a while, we start to feel like a limp dishrag after yet another lengthy "woe is me" pity party.
We all want to be caring people and help others. But this kind of behavior isn't healthy for either party. It's especially exhausting for the person who feels compelled, time and time again, to DO something to make that person's situation better.
The truth is, we can't fix everyone's problems, no matter how hard we try. And so I've adopted a new motto for my life, and that is, "Not my circus, not my monkeys." Unless it affects me, my family, or other loved ones directly, I'm not going to get involved in other people's petty drama. I have enough problems of my own, thank you very much.
As a result, I've found that when we don't allow other people's drama to dictate our lives and emotional well-being, those people inevitably move on to someone else who will. I've also found that, when pressed into a corner over some new crisis and nobody comes to their rescue, they somehow find a way out of their situation. It's especially hard not to intervene when it's a close friend or family member, but I've come to the conclusion that sometimes we have to let those we love work their own stuff out.
Sign up for my blogs and updates here!