Little Bill

"Desire is the grassfire drinking gasoline" — Soul Coughing, Mr. Bitterness

A friend recently commented (in person) about how my recent blog entries have seemed rather bitter. I guess she was right and it’s made me think about why that might be. What is it about me that’s taken so much offense lately? What is it about me that’s thinking that I’m being taken advantage of?

Is it simply that my friends — or acquaintences, in some cases — see me as a valuable resource? Everyone asked me for web design help. Each one offered payment. I immediately went on the defensive and assumed that they’re looking for a free handout, or at least an extreme discount. Could this be the case?

Granted, I told them all (truthfully) that I’m quite busy and unable to make the commitment to do the job. But still, it was all a reaction to that assumption that people only want to stay in touch when they need something of me.

Is that true? Was I overreacting? I haven’t heard from these people since. Well, one tried to touch base, but only after — and again, I presume — having read the bitter entry and trying to make amends? Is too little too late? I was a bit short to her, after all.

Two wrongs don’t make a right. But three lefts do.