If you knew me back in high school, I'd had an infamous image of being mataray. I didn't see the point of befriending classmates who had a reputation for cheating, skipping class, drinking and engaging in intercourse at such a young age. I did not see the point of callously entertaining just about any male who thinks I'm 'smart' or 'girlfriend material'. I just never saw the point.
Just as a politician is with taking an unpopular stand on a controversial issue, I took in negative feedback and I had my fair share of classroom taunting. I did cry. I did think about switching schools at a point but I refocused my lenses on them - their idea of fun and friendship as hedonistic and them reaping zero harvests at zero investment after and I felt sorry. Today, we are civil toward each other and although they've become mothers and fathers in their teenage years and have not gotten diplomas and degrees, they do seem happy.
Fast forward to the workplace and who knew that my work would not be spared of abundant, immature, and inarticulate males. If they think that the technique to getting a girl's attention is to tease her day in and day out, they are in over their heads. So I changed tact and chose to ignore unless the dialogue presupposes business then yes I'm up for it otherwise, a simple morning greet would elicit a cold three-second stare.
It's tricky at first because no one wants to be perceived as arrogant but the benefits of not having to be on guard at an intellectual and emotional provocation is like the feeling I get after working out. It feels hella good.
If I don't learn anything from a person, when I'm not challenged to think, If I feel less about humanity let alone myself when I'm around someone, then it becomes pointless and I cut all communication to alleviate stress.
