Not For Sale

“My personal space is not for sale.”  I heard this while drinking coffee at one of my favorite writing spots.  The context in which it was stated made me snort laugh which elicited a collective “amen sister” from other patrons to the woman who said it to her now (assuming) ex-boyfriend.  The conversation in summary was the male half trying to rationalize why he should move in with her since he lost his job and got caught cheating on her.  I’m baffled by his audacity, but give him props for meeting her in public…probably knowing that conversation in private would likely have ended very badly for him. 

Context aside, the statement reminded me of a recent interaction I had that left me quite disappointed with some folks.  I let it bother me more than I should have.  Without rehashing the details, the lesson I learned from this is that my personal space, my personal happiness, beliefs, tolerance, understanding, all of these things are valuable…and not for sale. 

I forgive them.  It’s not in my nature to harbor a grudge against anyone.  That takes up too much time and energy.  My son suffered a friendship because of it, but even with hurt feelings he prayed for them.  This is the faith journey I’ve been on, learning from everyone and every experience.  Faith in humanity is the hardest for me because in my line of work I see people at their worst.  I don’t expect to see this in my personal life since I’m usually very careful of who I allow a seat at my table.   One ply faith, fold it, fold it again.  That’s my mantra.  Especially with people who are so quick to judge. 

To the girl in the coffee shop, to my son, to all of us who believe the best in people, don’t diminish your self-worth for others who don’t invest in your personal well-being and happiness.  If people in your life try to make you feel bad for standing up for yourself then they don’t belong in your personal space.  Evict them.  Normal people don’t go around destroying other human beings.  There’s a lot of irrational, dramatic, selfish, and otherwise crazy people in this world that we may have to share the planet with, but that doesn’t mean we allow them in our personal space.  It’s valuable real estate, not for rent, and certainly not for sale.   

Summary:

Know your worth. 

Don’t rent or sell your personal space, you're not an Air B&B.

Be kind.