Second Chance LJ Idol Week 3: Busman's Holiday

[suesniffsglue]

I set a Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale on the bar and the bartender opens it for me. I am feeling good; I can relax--it's Friday and I'm watching my husband's band play. Next thing I know a person plops next to me. I vaguely recognize him as someone my husband knows. Within moments, he is talking my ear off. A half hour later, he knows nothing about

Comments

[roina_arwen]

I love your viewpoint here; it must be tiring to have so many people wanting advice from you, but it’s clear you also love what you do.

Hubby and I have been to Belize - it’s so lovely there!

[suesniffsglue]

Thank you! I do love it. Belize was so lovely and I look forward to getting back sometime! It was plagued with sargasso when we went, so that was the only bummer

[bleodswean]

*nods* I like how you broke this up into vignettes of folks just talking at you. It made for a very successful read overall.

[suesniffsglue]

Thanks! I wanted to include the last bit to show I totally seek it out sometimes too. It just seems to be happening constantly one way or another!

[banana_galaxy]

I think people are just drawn to empathetic people and can't help unloading on them when they encounter them. I'm not a therapist but I find it's not uncommon for people to do this with me also, and I don't know what exactly it is about me that makes them feel like they can trust me with the things they share. It can be draining at times, especially if it's not reciprocated. But it is nice to be trusted with the details.

[suesniffsglue]

Yes! Definitely a very wonderful honor so often. I always wonder where my secret "Tell me your life story" tattoo that I cant see is!

[beeker121]

My aunt works as a therapist and I work to not bring things to her only because I know so many other people do. I imagine that way of listening and asking questions would be really difficult to ever turn off. The opening section with it's mini-reveal to set up the rest of this piece is lovely.

[suesniffsglue]

See I bet your aunt wouldnt want you to not bring things to her. That's the worst part--the people who sensitive enough to not want to take advantage are the ones who I never mind at all when they need something! It's the ones who are always takers who get to me.

[rayaso]

I can see why you became a therapist. There is something about you that makes people tell you about their lives and problems. It's like a superpower. The bad side, of course, is what you described in your fascinating entry. You can't turn it off, so you never get any relief.

[suesniffsglue]

Thanks! It definitely just felt like the natural path for me and I AM glad I took it. I love my job. It does get exhausting sometimes though!