I Knew I Had Heard This Before. Because It Was a Familiar Lesson, I Smiled.

A short story on relationships.

When I was younger, I always believed in the concept of accommodating people. You know that habit where you make excuses for people; you turn a blind eye to many of their vices and you always give them the benefit of the doubt. That has always been me.

Some of my friends thought I was too much and believed it was a weakness. They sometimes said I was crazy. After hearing that a few times, I thought the same and doubted myself.

In the office, I work with middle-aged and senior citizens. Many times, they are not as technically adept as I am. We have varying world views. Typically; I prefer the office to be run in one way; they prefer the opposite.

Sometimes, I want to lose my patience, but my internal compass nudges me toward being accommodating, supportive, and compromising. It nudges me to turn a blind eye to their idiosyncrasies and reminds me they are probably turning a blind eye to mine as well.

This weekend, I went to a spiritual gathering. The host invited a guest speaker. He spoke about love and its practicality. “You do not have to love everyone. That is not practical. However, you can choose to accommodate them. Amid their vices, recognize and celebrate the virtue you see in them. It is not an emotional decision. You will it.”

As I listened from my seat, I smiled. I knew this. This was familiar, and my behavior wasn’t a weakness. It is a strength, and I am the better for it. I am not crazy after all.

Thanks, Chelsea Marie.

Love doesn’t make the world go ‘round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.- Franklin P. Jones.