DesertRat
Posts: 2774
Joined: 11/29/2004 From: NM/USA Status: offline
|
I have just learned that body image and self-respect are not necessarily linked. Learned it the hard way which, while painful, is very effective. For the last 10 years, I have, thanks to diet and exercise, been in very good shape. For me, the fitness thing was part of a total makover...psychological, spiritual, and physical...that I really needed. Since my program of discipline worked SO well for me, I figured it would work well for others. I figured a lot of people needed it and that those I came in contact with would be SO grateful to me for passing on this new way of life. It never occurred to me how arrogant that attitude was. I didn't know because it never came up as an issue in a relationship. Well....long story short...now it has, and I have lost someone who is really incredible because of it. So now I know: My way is not for everyone. Furthermore, my arrogance can really hurt someone and destroy what might otherwise have been a perfect relationship. I lost a really good friend and have no one to blame but myself. Now, one good thing I can say about myself is that I learn from my mistakes. I don't just learn the words; I make the changes necessary to prevent the same fuckups from recurring. Still, this learning process has cost me a good friend. Mostly, it's not about me. It's about the pain I caused her. I definitely did not see myself as the kind of guy who could do such a thing. But that is the nature of learning, isn't it? Sucks. My experience may not precisely correspond to the OP's view, but I think it is relevant and worth noting. Thanks for listening. Bob
|