Over on another social networking site I frequent, someone is constantly updating the world as to his incredible achievements in the gym. We hear how healthy he feels, how much weight he's losing. It works its way into every. Single. Post.
And in conversation, he's quick to point out how great he feels, how he's as toned as he was when he was in the military, and how he considers this a competitive edge in his business (no, seriously...he's openly speculating how less-than-perfectly-fit people can possibly perform their job as well as he can). Oh, and by the way, he'll say, you should try it!
Give me a break.
I've often said there's nothing worse than a "reformed" person. People that lose weight, quit smoking, find religion, buy a Macintosh*, or become vegetarians are among the most annoying people on earth, because they just won't stop talking about how AWESOME! their particular decision is, and how everyone else is just missing out. For crying out loud, I've watched people get enthusiastic over having performed a colon cleanse.
No one is denying him his happiness. And I'm always happy for people when they improve themselves or their condition in life. Who wouldn't be? There's just something that reeks of utter insecurity when all a person can talk about is how wonderful their personal decisions are, and how YOUR life would only be better if YOU were more like THEM.
Here's the thing. I'm happy for my newly-fit acquaintance. Good for him. But quit sneering from your mountaintop, dude. The higher they are, the longer they have to fall, and I'll take silent joy in watching your inevitable tumble down the hill. That's just the way I roll.
* Guilty as charged. Having said that, the only thing worse than the computer platform wars is watching a Nikon-vs-Canon debate. Those people are insane. Especially the Nikon owners ;-)
I hate people who obsess over things.
ReplyDeleteGrant: Indeed. I barely noticed the azure-blue material, yellow trim, or sunburst in that photo. Perhaps if I studied it longer.
ReplyDeleteYou'll never get that crap from me. I never assume I made the right decision about anything.
ReplyDeleteüber: That shouldn't stop you from having an opinion, though.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'll tell ya, ever since I made the decision not to talk about all my achievements, my life has been TOTALLY AWESOME. I've never felt more complete or at peace since I quit talking about my own personal decisions and life changes.
ReplyDeleteI highly recommend that all of you try it. Ever since I made the transformation, I've been more effective, confident, and, frankly, more sexy.
Y'all should try it.
;-)
It's one thing to say it to your friends, family or coworkers once in a while (like one time) but to keep on and on with it and be all that you talk about is another. And annoying.
ReplyDeleteJoe is guilty of being one of those annoying Mac guys too.
When people ask how I've lost weight, I sigh heavily because I know what's coming next. When I share my story briefly and honestly, they almost ALWAYS respond, "So, did you have surgery?" or "Well, you must have ________." I've even had someone tell me straight out that what I'm doing doesn't work... after they complimented me on my weight loss. So on the flip side of your post, for those who want the same success as others, don't ask the how they got there if you don't want an honest answer. And I'll do my best not to flaunt my success, or offer my opinion in the first place. Deal?
ReplyDelete^I'm not trying to be anonymous, FYI. For some odd reason it won't let me post with my name.
ReplyDelete-justtim
Dade: BEST. REPLY. EVER.
ReplyDeleteApril: When you get a Mac, you'll understand. ;-)
jt: Totally not talking about you, just to clarify!
I know that. I do my best not to flaunt my greatness.
ReplyDelete-justtim
I have used his Mac many, many times and I just wasn't "wowed" by it. I guess I'm just used to Microsoft products, or so Joe says. Or maybe I have to really be into computers to appreciate the wonder known as Mac?
ReplyDeleteOh, and so is it OK for me to link you on my sidebar? That is how I get to my favorite blogs. For yours I just keep going back into my email, which I can keep doing if need be.
ReplyDeleteApril: Link away!
ReplyDeleteI'm laughing out loud. Great post. And so, so true.
ReplyDeleteLook at that, you suddenly start posting after a break of approximately forever and all the same commenters are still here. It's like we've been through a time warp.
ReplyDeleteOn the flipside of what you're saying, there are quite a few people who brace themselves against this kind of proselytizing so much that they immediately lash out at people who say, oh, I work out, or I'm a vegetarian or whatever. I've never tried to police what people eat but lots of people when I say I don't eat meat they start in on ME right away that I am trying to police their diet. Or something. I never even tell people I don't eat meat unless they offer me some, and even then it's usually only after I've said no thanks and they keep pressing. So, how about I won't talk about my vegetarian diet (which I never do talk about, unless asked) and you don't get knee-jerk defensive on me for telling you what not to eat, which I never do anyway? Sheesh. Not you personally, of course. Just people.
On an unrelated note, don't you hate it when people come along and leave a comment making it all about them? I mean, who does that?