Sad Truth

Here is a truth that we must always remember:

The world does not revolve around us. 

Yes, there are times when we all feel clingy and in need of time and attention, but that is no reason for us to cross the line to the dark demanding side. 

Often times, we lash out on loved ones for not spending time with us. If they still don't take a hint, we give our partners some kind of ultimatum, we scold our children, we stop talking to our good friends. You end up feeling unappreciated and rejected, tired of asking for attention and love. You sink into an abyss of sadness and drown in your pool of lonely thoughts.

This puts a strain on your relationships, which eventually leads to depression. The people you have ill sentiments for always end up as villains, the insensitive ones. You lash out on them again, tell them things you would only say out of impulse, regret it, and apologize to them the next day. It's a never ending cycle, it's always lather-rinse-repeat.  When asked why you act the way you do, you try to rationalize how your

feeling of being rejected or taken for granted took over.

Most often than not, you try to justify impulsive tantrums with the thought that nobody recognizes how much you've struggled in life. And when the going gets tougher, you block other people's attempt to comfort you. You end up not listening when they try to present reality, and burn bridges instead of fixing them.

But,

Have you ever tried to to look at things from a different perspective? Have you tried living in your loved one's shoes?

The truth is, everybody acknowledges your battles. Nobody is taking you for granted. It just so happens that they, too, have their own hurdles to overcome. In this world, one must do everything to survive.

An infant must cry in order to be fed.

A toddler get hurt in order to learn from his environment.

A grade schooler must  keep up with the class.

A teenager must learn how to get along with his / her peers. 

A young adult must leave their comfort zone and venture into the real world.

A middle aged person must work hard to make ends meet and pay the bills.

A parent must sacrifice work to be with their children,

Then struggle to let go when they leave their nests.

A grandparent must  struggle with loneliness.

It's not all the same. It may be on a different aspect or level compared to yours, but everybody has the world on their shoulders. You are no different.  Your loved ones are no different. Giving them a difficult attitude will only drive them away. 

Sure, your feelings are hurt, but that does not give you a free pass to ruin their day, or worse, their dreams with your anger. Remember what they say, "The tongue is a powerful weapon". It can empower, encourage, and save lives. It can also break hearts, kill dreams, and ruin relationships. Be mindful of how and when to use it.

So, before breaking all hell loose for not being given the attention you need, put yourself in other people's shoes and try to remember how they, too, are trying their best to make it through the day. Cut people some slack. 

Instead of wallowing in self-pity, be positive and productive. Listen. Do not be too self-absorbed, listen to what others have to say. And, remember this:

The world does not revolve around us.