Thursday, February 18, 2010

It's not cute.

I didn't get a lot of attention as a kid. I don't say that to get pity. I say it because it's true.

Mind you, I got enough attention. When I was in trouble I generally felt I got more than I needed. I was always clothed and fed and so on. I did my homework without prompting and got fairly good grades. I had lots of friends and did lots of activities. I didn't do a whole lot of mess that would get me in trouble. Nothing out of the ordinary, save the time I got brought home by the police because I was caught making out with my boyfriend in his truck at the playground. (Note to police officers in my hometown: get a life)

I was one of four kids. Four kids can be quite a lot, especially when they are all close in age and reach the teen years. My parents are hard-working people and both had full-time jobs and a lot to do. There were times when I needed more attention, like when I had premature twins. I got it. There were times that other family members needed more attention and they got it. That's the way it works. It all comes around and it comes back around. In my life I've been blessed with good extended family and very close friends who have sometimes made up the slack when others weren't able. I'm fortunate and I hope I can do that for others as well. I hope I teach my children to behave that way. That good friends are more worthy than gold. That you create your family around you, care for people, and help them when you can. That sometimes even in situations like marriages or multiple children, things can't be 50/50. Sometimes they are 60/40. Sometimes they are 90/10. As long as it works out in the end well...it works out in the end.

I'm sorry for people who don't understand that.

And? I guess that's why I don't understand, and will never understand, why people feel the need to make up things in order to get the attention they need. I'm sorry they don't have people in their lives they can count on. I'm sorry they don't have an Allison or a Dawn or a Breanna or a Missy or a Cousin Becky (and I'm leaving out a million people, and I'm sorry. It doesn't mean you don't rock my socks). I know I am ridiculously blessed that I do have a lot of folks I can call when the going gets tough. I get that.

But I'm not sorry, and lo, I apparently even get quite angry when people make things up and/or behave in a ridiculous manner to get attention. Especially when the things they make up are really, really hurtful to others who have actually experienced the things they are lying about.

It's not cute. It's not the appropriate way to obtain the attention you need. More than that even? It's really freaking uncool.

I promise you. I swear to you. There are certain things that are just not okay to pretend about. That will never, ever, EVER be okay to pretend about. If you are in that much need of attention or drama, please go volunteer with some thirteen year old girls. There are lots of them out there that need attention and believe me, they bring the drama like no one else ever can.

I've been angry for weeks. And now? I'm just sad. Oh and I'm mad at myself for being angry.

Some things just aren't okay.

They won't ever be okay.




Please don't be like this. Okay? Please don't ever let your need for attention or drama make you say and do things that hurt others. It's really, really sad.

9 comments:

Sheila Deeth said...

Well said Stephanie

Leandra said...

Do you read The Bloggess at all? She created a badge that I totally want to steal. It says "Be nice, or I'll stab you." She created it in anticipation of drama.

Dawn~a~Bon said...

I'd just like to post a great big honking AMEN SISTER to this whole post.

Jenski said...

I dislike drama in general, so will do. Glad you have support when you need it!

Allie said...

Amen, sista friend!

Lisa said...

It's just the height of selfishness to create drama for attention. It points to something deeper, and until one even realises or admits they make stuff up - they won't get it.......much less understand how hurtful their behaviour is to others who really care about them. You wonder if some people really don't understand 'The Boy Who Cried "Wolf"'!

Listen...so much more important things are shaping up in this world my friend.
Have a look:
http://profoundprophecy.com/blog/?p=936
God bless you!

Mrs Catch said...

How true. Nothing's more off-putting than an attention seeker. The sad thing is that when these people really do have a disaster, everyone is reluctant to get involved. Sort of like "Cry Wolf".

Anonymous said...

People like that cause me to want to ass punch all of them. Really, super hard. Twice.

Coal Miner's Granddaughter said...

It's like, if you want attention? Then do something worthwhile. Volunteer. Help. Stuff like that. Don't frakking create drama. It's worthless.

Amen sister.