As I get older, I am realizing that many adults are really just children, immature children, in an adult-sized body.

Maybe it is a lack of self-esteem, a need for power, whatever.  However, I am sick of it.

Let me share some examples.

I used to do some legal-runner-type work that required filing some paperwork.  When I would go to the City County building to file this paperwork, I would get all nervous.  I was nervous because there was one clerk there that would find fault in the paperwork no matter what, even if it was written by God.  I always breathed a sigh of relief if a different clerk called my number.  I would look over at the poor sucker that was trying to turn paperwork in to  my nemesis, and they would be getting their paperwork back with ‘rejected’ stamped on it.  (Figuratively speaking, there was not ‘rejected’ stamp.)  Whenever I was working with that negative clerk, I felt like I was a criminal of some sort, trying to pull a fast one.  I don’t miss that experience at all.

More recently, I had problems with my laptop, which required a visit to the Geek Squad.   Previously, I had only had good experiences with the Geek Squad, so I was not too concerned.  However, I was waiting in a long line and there were 2 Geek Squad employees.  One guy was very nice and helpful.  The other guy had people whipping through the line quickly, as he said ‘no’ to every request.   I could tell just by looking at him that he was just negative, and was either having a really bad day, or didn’t really want to help anyone.   You can only guess who my case was assigned to – Mr. Bitter.  I explained my situation, and he quickly described the worst-case scenario.  I asked if the problem could just be a case of dust-buildup.  He huffed at me and then went to the back to blow air into the laptop to clear dust.  Of course it didn’t work, but hey, I just wanted the guy to give it a try.  (Or maybe he just ran the air compressor in back to trick me and didn’t actually touch the laptop. )  He may have been right, my laptop may have been a lost cause.  However, I expect people to at least pretend they want to help me at the service desk!

On a more generic note, I have often heard of someone explaining an idea they had or a plan for their future, and ‘friends’ would just shoot it down, saying all the reasons why it won’t work.  That is one of my biggest pet peeves.  Obviously, if someone says ‘My goal is to fly a jet-pack to the moon’, then by all means, explain the insanity of the plan.  However, if it is an idea for weight loss, job change, whatever, I cannot stand when someone will just be negative and cause second-thoughts for the person looking to make a change.

I really believe if there was a lot more encouragement in the world instead of negativity, the world would be a lot better off.  I think some people are so wrapped up in their own bitter little world that they don’t want to see others have success.  Maybe it is because if a friend or family member does something and finds some success, it may force them to take some similar action, and they don’t want to.   For example, say you are overweight and your best friend plans to go on Weight Watchers.   That may force you to take a look at your own weight, which may not be a pleasant thing to do.  So maybe it is easier to just say ‘oh, I hear that people gain their weight back anyway, what is the point?’, when instead you should say ‘I think that is a great idea, maybe I will join too’.

In the end, everyone loves a compliment, as long as it is honest.  So next time you have the opportunity to say a nice thing, provide encouragement, or thank someone, just do it!  Instead of saying ‘it can’t be done’, say  ‘is there a way I can help?’.  You never know what a positive mindset may do for you and your own goals!