By the time we reach our seventies, most of us have become quite good at decluttering our lives in more ways than one.
As we age we take stock of different things in life, and usually start the process of decluttering stuff we have accumulated over the years. Lots of knick knacks more than likely stored away somewhere in a box, with our intentions of keeping it all just in case we need it again… which we probably never will!
I gave loads of stuff that was of value and in great condition to the charity shops after asking my kids if they wanted anything, which they politely declined. I cannot imagine why they did not want my nice crochet chair arm sleeves! Still, they went to do some good somewhere for someone or something.
Now when it comes to friendships, there are those that are precious, and everlasting. Then there are those that after spending an hour or two in their company completely drain the energy tank leaving you feeling as if you have been fighting for air somewhere in the depth of the conversation. None of us need unnecessary stress in later years. So how do we deal with these kinds of friendships without being too offensive?
Just to give an example of someone I knew a few years ago. When meeting up with this person they would continuously talk about themselves, what members of their family had done or where going to do, the entire conversation revolving around themselves. If I tried to join in the conversation I would be cut off before I had chance to finish a sentence. For the rest of the time I would sit and politely listen. When the time came to part company I would feel completely drained and wondering if my ears would ever get over it! I tried very hard to tolerate this for a few months, but there comes a time when you have to draw the line. So the next time this person sent a text to meet up, I made an excuse that I was busy for the next couple of months, that did the trick and I never heard from them again. Heaven, bliss, and my ears were grateful that they would no longer take a battering!
There are many different types of people who can be stressful to be around and I’ve learned over the years to detach myself from them. There are drama queens, the negative souls who cannot see any positives, the constant moaners, the hypochondriacs who cannot wait to tell you how ill they have been, or going to be and go into all the graphic detail!
I love happy people. I do not mean everyone has to be laughing themselves silly or walking around with a permanent smile on their face twenty-four seven, just normal people who can find some joy in life. These are my kind of people.
Let’s be honest, we all have our off days when we are not suited over something, or there could be a concern that is worrying, but that is a normal way of life for most people.
Back to happiness! Happiness costs nothing, it makes you feel better, it brightens miserable dull days and if you can share joy with others all the better!
So, to my mature fine wine people, here is my happy smiley face and, y’all have a great day!
