I knew it was coming, and I’m not thrilled about it. An industry gathering occurs later today, and the rat will be there.
I’d sit at the opposite end of the table, but the table’s not going to be big enough.
I’d find another part of the room to mingle in, but the group setting will be somewhat small.
So I’ll do what I always do – smile and get through it. And when he blathers on about himself and his life and his other favorite topic, him, I’ll silently think about how glorious the past two months have been since he left. And when someone catches a whimsical look on my face they may suspect I’m day-dreaming but really I’ll be thinking this:
And with that, I’m off. Prayers accepted!
Question: Have you ever jettisoned a rat from your life only to have them re-appear? How did you deal with it? Please share!
You’ll be in my thoughts today, MJ…. As I mentioned in a comment on one of your previous posts about this subject, I deal with someone who has a narcississtic personality all the time. I do the same thing: just tune them out and pretend I’m somewhere else! Good luck!
I had a nice long drive to the event and listened to some favorite music that put me at ease; fate smiled on me and I rec’d an important phone call just as he made his grand entrance. He made many attempts to get close to me – I was like the cartoon character where you see a puff of smoke where the person once stood – POOF – gone! HA HA it became rather comical actually. I did not give him what he most wanted – my time.
Nope, not doing it.
Cheers! MJ
Glad it all worked out!
* TRY to tune them out. I find it nearly impossible.
I too will be thinking about you. The rats in my life are few and as small of a community that i live in, I rarely have to deal with them. As often as not, they avoid me. Can’t wait to hear how your event goes! I want details 🙂 DM
The rat wanted my attention. The rat did not get it.
The end.
Cheers! MJ
Good luck and I hope you find something in the meeting to enjoy!
I stayed far, far away, and fate shone on me b/c I got an important phone call and had to duck out just as he made is GRAND entrance – whoop! I still sat through the lunch but fate smiled again and, after the phone call, the only seat was at the opposite end of the table 🙂 MJ
HA HA HA!! I love the quote!! I simply don’t engage them on their level, or don’t acknowledge what they’re talking about (easier said than done). 🙂
R
I love that quote, too and it helped me keep my sanity!! MJ
Ugh… I had to deal with this in the spring with an organization I was dealing with and a rat being involved, as well. I just pretended the rat was not there. I am not good at hiding how I feel about situations, so my body language and non-verbal communication was enough for the rat to scitter over to her corner and stay there… away from me! Good luck xo
oh how I love the word “scitter!”
You described it perfectly, Sandy 🙂 MJ
Kudos to you MJ for being able to grin and bear it. It’s about the only recourse short of spending long hours in the restroom.
Ha! And that’s just what I did 🙂 MJ