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”