Complain about my life to internet strangers in an effort to get sympathetic comments that allow me to justify my antisocial behavior that creates these situations where I feel invisible in the first place.
Let’s be honest Madeline, this is a small sample size we are working with here. You said “Hello” to three people and they didn’t respond.
Maybe you could try again?
Maybe say it louder?
Maybe swap up the strategy, and smile and say hello at the same time?
Maybe, just maybe, the problem is that you cherry pick and construct these situations to build a narrative that absolves you from any responsibility for your own happiness.
“They didn’t say [hello] back.”
Why does your happiness revolve around getting the attention of a passerby?
Do you want to know why those people are smiling and you aren’t?
Because you chose not to.
Happiness is a choice.
But if your eyes always focus on the pessimistic view you’ll just sit and stew. And you’ll write lackluster poetry to boot. It takes work to be happy, and it starts with yourself. Try looking at the bigger picture, broaden your perspective, and it’ll help.
Instead of people ignoring you, just remember they are human, and are busy too. Instead of forcing happiness from missed opportunities, just look elsewhere, there’s more fish in the sea. Instead of doing weird manipulative assessments by creating fake instagram accounts, just go outside and meet people. Instead of pretending you’ll never find love, (although your use of “probably” implies you already doubt yourself) go seek it, it isn’t just going to fall into your lap. Instead of worrying about statistical stereotypes involving people assuming you don’t like spicy food, just tell them you’d prefer it spicy and move on. Instead of wondering why people are “idiots,” and blaming them for your own shortcomings, do the thing you want so desperately, empathize with them, and learn to forgive them for their mistakes.
Life is made up of moments, “sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind. The race is long, and in the end it’s only with yourself.” (Baz Luhrmann’s “Everybody’s Free [to Wear Sunscreen]”)
This poem is a response to the Poem of the Day for September 17th, 2018 titled “The Things I Do in A Day” by Madeline Thetard.
