When somebody highlights your idiosyncrasy

I got up from my desk and head towards the chamber of the Vice President’s office. I knocked. Mr. Jafri allowed me to enter. “So what you brings you here?”, he asked, with a sarcastic smile. He wasn’t expecting me to visit him, in fact, he wasn’t expecting me to come to work. It was a miracle. I was the visiting professor of my office, as I would skip work, every other day. I was surprised why they hadn’t kicked me out, yet. They were planning to, but the HR wasn’t coming to work, either.

I came back from my trance, and replied, “I was feeling burdened with guilt, therefore I thought it would be appropriate to confess and feel at ease.”

His smiled slightly decreased, but one could tell that he was now really curious to know. I read his “Alright-then-go on-chop-chop, look” and continued.

“You are like a priest I choose to confide in, by confessing my sins.” I said nervously.

He laughed while feeling a bit shy at the same time. He seemed overwhelmed by the attention. The guy would be alone in his office, all day, on top of that, he recently got divorced, hence, he fancied some company.

“I have been trying my best to improve as an employee, but I feel disturbed by the attitude of my colleagues.”

He leaned forward, with his “guru” demeanour and said in a low tone, “I don’t know how to say this but uh, you have a problem with people.”

I knew he was lonely, but did not realise he was so perceptive. I was taken aback and slightly offended, but chose to keep a poker face.

“You’re going to have to learn to be a team player, other wise you won’t be able to adjust here. You’re either in or you’re out.”

I felt intimidated by his blunt expression, but I was aware that he had a background working for news and ad agencies, therefore listened to him, without daring to argue.

I managed to slightly nod, although I was shaking my head on the inside. I cleared my throat and said, “I won’t let you down, Sir.”

He seemed pleased by my response and turned his head towards his laptop, indicating that 8 minutes in his office were more than enough for a content writer. I slowly got up and left the room.

I went back to my seat and wondered what he actually meant by “I have a problem with people.” Deep down I knew that it was the Truth, but somehow I was unable to digest it. It is easy to swallow what is poisonous than what benefits us. My ego felt humiliated but I was impressed by his accurate reading. I did not know whether I should remain humiliated or impressed. I chose the latter and absorbed what he had revealed.

All my life, I had been complaining and running away from people. Yes, I was an introvert and highly sensitive, but I was not aware of my ego mania. As children, we don’t take ourselves seriously. When we are in our late teens, we are rebellious and think that the world is at our feet. Once we have fully matured, our innocence decays and our pride takes over, making us oblivious of our idiosyncrasies.

Now when I look back and think about what he had pointed out, I have nothing but reverence for that man. Just as one must learn to laugh at themselves, one must also learn to look at their own filth and wipe it off. They may be stubborn stains, but if you are earnest, they will soon, disappear. Only then, you will see your true reflection.

Be humble towards your delusions as they all have something to teach you about yourself.