Reply #36: It's sort of like Joan described [View All]

Try not to be so hung up on the "supposed to's" in life. People in church are supposed to be friendly, social and accepting, but they aren't always. Our families are supposed to love us more or less unconditionally, but they don't always. We're supposed to be educated, have successful careers, happy relationships and a whole host of other things, but things don't always work out that way.

As much as the media, advertisers, family, friends and others try to sell the concept of "the perfect life" to us via Norman Rockwell paintings and cute commercials with happy families around the Christmas tree, this is a fantasy. An unfortunate side-effect of these false images is that people can use them as a measuring device, and feel their life is severely lacking by comparison.

Even in "real life" situations that appear wonderful aren't necessarily so. Apparently happy relationships are, under the surface, fraught with significant problems. People who seem to "have it all" really don't. Appearances really can deceive, and in doing so they can cause harm to those who seek to define their lives by them.



That being said, if you feel you are being ignored in situations it is up to you to make people pay attention if you really require or want the attention. I know how incredibly hard it can be but only you can do it. If your input/work on a project was not recognized, speak up. When you want to be part of a conversation, do so. You can even join a community group or volunteer somewhere to get out and interact more with people.

From what I've read of your posts you are a likeable guy. Now get out there and share it! :hug: