Journal Entry 4

  I am not bothered too much when a person fails to use my name, but if a person chooses to name me themself, I could possibly get furious. Okay, furious may be a stretch, but I prefer my name over girl, lady, or anything with a negative intent. If you don't know my name, a simple "excuse me" or "Miss/Mam," will work. I know those words are used with good intentions.

  I believe eye contact is a very important part of a discussion or conversation. When people fail to make eye contact with me, I feel that they are not paying attention to me, really not interested in what I'm saying or simply doesn't care to hear what's being said. I also feel that a lack of eye contact is a sign of disrespect. It reminds me of times when I would try not to look at my mother when I was in "trouble" and she would say "look at me when I'm talking to you." I know the reason I wasn't looking directly at her was to avoid hearing what she had to say. It was something about looking at her that made the difference in her knowing that I heard and understood what she said to me.

  When someone gives me the cold shoulder, I have a tendency to think they have an issue with me, but I have learned that some people are dealing with their own issues and have personal reasons for being "non-responsive". Either they don't like me as an individual or refuse to answer/respond to me due to their lack of well-being or happiness. I feel that giving a cold should is very disrespectful, especially when it's being done to me. It places a very negative vibe in the atmosphere and it is not healthy for a work environment at all.

  When a person continuously greets me with a complaint, I become bothered by their negativity. Too much complaining is annoying. I live life on positive energy. I basically try to see what good comes from an issue or situation, i.e. the tire pops as I'm leaving the driveway, I'm very happy that it didn't happen while on was on the highway. I say it's annoying, but it's also another way for me to help others in life. I like to help people see the glass as half-full instead of half-empty. I know complaining is not the best thing in the world, especially for adults, but let's face it, it happens all day.