Ask Amy: A sports injury leads to hurt feelings
Unfortunately, our human tendency is to let the person who hurts our feelings crash through our chorus line of supporting players and grab the story line. (I think about this most days when I go through my reader mail.)
So first, take a minute and send Bart back into the wings where he belongs, and let his neglect call forth for you the thoughtful and supportive behavior of others.
My suggestion for you moving forward is that you should be very much yourself.
Are you a nice and polite person? Then remain that way.
If you are in a social setting with Bart in the next few weeks and feel comfortable, you could say, “You know I got injured, right? I was wondering why you didn’t mention it …”
He may subscribe to some weird philosophy where thoughtfully noticing another man’s injury would be seen as awkward or embarrassing to the injured party.
Or – he might be a jerk.
Accept that Bart has revealed his limitations to you, and yes – focus on people who bring more positivity and balance into your life.
Dear Amy: My 87-year-old mother and 93-year-old father are sharing a hospital room, as he nears the end of his life.
My oldest sister (the only child living nearby) deals with everything.
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