Tread softly :: Just a little something

Tread softly

September 19th, 2007 | Published in Living, Personal | 15 Comments

This story, forwarded by friend Asha, actually reminded me of something I’ve been meaning to write about too. How badly we treat the ones closest to us and the lengths we go to in front of acquaintances and strangers, in order to create a good impression.

Says Asha: “Goes with my theory that we tend to treat the worst, the people who matter the most to us. Like with our parents/families/close friends — we tend to think they will never leave us, so we subject them to our worst moods, while with our colleagues/strangers we are the sweetest people ever, full of Pleases and Thank yous and Sorrys.”

So true!

What does it take, I think, to spare a kind word or two when you talk to someone close to you? Or at least be decent and not talk down, like the other person is some lowly earth form not worthy of existing.

The reason that came to mind is the fact that I have come across this kind of behaviour and though I have stopped letting it bother me anymore, I still wonder why it has to be this way. Why can’t people be a little easy with their words? Is it necessary to grind out words and sentences as if saying it in a more pleasant manner wouldn’t get them restful sleep? Is it necessary to pass acerbic comments just because that person happens to be related to you and that for some reason gives you the authority to tread all over him/her?

I think we treat those close to us quite badly. It’s not necessary to say sweet things all the time (especially when you don’t mean them) but it costs nothing to say things in a pleasant manner.

And when I read this story, this last line really rang true: “To be honest I still find it hard to believe that the person, Sweetie, who wrote such wonderful things to me on the internet, is actually the same woman I married and who has not said a nice word to me for years.”

It’s so possible I think. I see it happening around me and I’m sure you have too.

So next time, you’re tempted to lash out at your parents, siblings, grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles etc. — do stop for a moment and take a deep breath and ask yourself if it’s really necessary. Most times, you’ll realise that it’s not.

“I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams”

Responses

kris says:

September 19th, 2007 at 1:13 pm (#)

how very true…

Tread Softly at Blogbharti says:

September 19th, 2007 at 6:26 pm (#)

[…] Anita says: […]

Pranjal says:

September 20th, 2007 at 11:56 am (#)

That’s a beautiful picture. Lovely words following too.

Thanks for sharing.

P.S: AKA SandDunes :)

Aqua says:

September 20th, 2007 at 1:54 pm (#)

talk about life imitating art. this story reminds me of the movie “Mitr” where shobana’s character and her husband meet online and become each other’s best friend, with shobana confiding all her marital woes and problems to her husband. both of coz do not know it’s their significant other they’re actually speaking to. like true hindi movie this is revealed in the climax. the movie had a happy ending unlike the real life story though.

good post Anita!!

Lubna says:

September 21st, 2007 at 1:43 pm (#)

Beautiful post, lovely photograph. Hope to meet you in person, some day Anita. Yes, Kit-Kat also.

Anita says:

September 21st, 2007 at 2:31 pm (#)

@ sathish: :)

@ Pranjal: SandDunes identity revealed? thanks :)

@ aqua: thanks! yes, i remember that movie. but all ended well there unlike in this case :)

@ Lubna: thanks! of course. we shall definitely meet!

Usha says:

September 26th, 2007 at 4:44 pm (#)

Agree, agree, agree. And guess what it hurts me more when someone close to me does that while I couldn’t care less if a stranger said the same.
and lovely picture as usual. :)

Paavani says:

September 27th, 2007 at 1:11 pm (#)

Thought provoking story
And very true to young generation.

Toe ring is pretty!

the mad momma says:

October 5th, 2007 at 10:07 pm (#)

I write about this all the time. About how we have time and manners for everyone except those who really matter.

pria says:

October 18th, 2007 at 9:50 pm (#)

Loved this picture.

Kits says:

October 23rd, 2007 at 2:24 pm (#)