Interview #1

(Photo by Mark Neal)

Figure 80.   Authentic

Ian: *

Is it true you never lie?

Me:

Now there's a loaded question! I’m as honest as I currently know how to be with myself and others throughout each day.

Ian: 

How does that work?

Me:

I’m not responsible for what other’s say or do; therefore, I’m not obligated to speak or respond to them when I’ve learned they aren’t interacting with me on the basis of mutual respect.

Ian: 

How long does this take?

Me:

It depends. I’ve tested my theory of put-downs long enough to know it’s unwise to ignore these ‘red flags’; thus, it doesn’t take long to discern if this is their regular mode of communicating. Once known, I assess their relationship to me as spouse, family, friend, colleague, acquaintance, or stranger. Then I decide the parameters of my interactions with them.