I recently came across an email from October 22, 2008 (wow, almost 11 years ago) that I felt, after reading my response to a written assault received from what I considered a close friend, that it had a wonderful message that still resonates with me today. I am going to provide a little excerpt from it below, because even out of context, it still makes sense and perhaps you can use it to guide you through harsh times when a so-called friend, or anyone really, suddenly attacks you and who you are as an individual. Besides, I haven’t spoken to this person since this email, so I feel comfortable enough sharing it today.
People change. I value my time. I have a life, granted it is different than yours, but it is mine and this is the happiest I have ever been. There are more important and exciting things in my life then interacting with people face to face. If I am meant to be with someone then we will find each other somehow...I don't have to waste time looking in all the wrong places. I have grown and am more evolved than you will ever know because I DO have this amazing career right now that allows me all the freedom in the world. I could never stay at a job I hated for years and years - that just makes no sense to me. People complain to me all the time about their horrible lives and horrible jobs and I always say "quit", "move" etc. It makes no sense to me otherwise. It is as simple as that, I don't care what excuse you have.
Certain types of people think they can walk all over you or say whatever they want to you for whatever reasons; perhaps they think you are strong willed so you can take it, or they think you are weak and need the “help”. If they don’t agree with you or what you are doing, they attack rather than help. Just because you are a strong person doesn’t give anyone the right to smash you into the ground like a bug. In turn, you also have to learn how to ignore these so-called friends. There are genuine people out there who want to help you and know how to do it. These are the ones you need to hold close to your vest. Don’t let a few bad apples ruin it for you. Now, I have realized since this email that there are extenuating circumstances revolving around decisions to leave or stay in bad relationships or careers, but I stand behind the idea that moving on and quitting are not only the easiest answers, but most times the only ones.
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