I had an interesting conversation with a friend who is struggling with breast cancer tonight. She said the reason people think we are emotionally unstable is because we don't put up with bull anymore.
She says that people who are dealing with rare diseases, cancer, etc. are all acutely aware of the limits to our longevity and because of this knowledge we find ourselves unwilling to put up with time being wasted on personal drama, silly gripes, or general rudeness. Our understanding that this may all end soon colors our every interaction with the world.
Which is in a lot of ways the way a 90 year old lives. The only difference is when I see a 90 year old speaking their mind I smile and think, damn...they just don't care anymore! When someone sees me doing the same think they think I'm crazy or unstable.
Moral of the story? In about 50 years people will start smiling when I act crazy, until then I will just have to put up with their disapproval.
She says that people who are dealing with rare diseases, cancer, etc. are all acutely aware of the limits to our longevity and because of this knowledge we find ourselves unwilling to put up with time being wasted on personal drama, silly gripes, or general rudeness. Our understanding that this may all end soon colors our every interaction with the world.
Which is in a lot of ways the way a 90 year old lives. The only difference is when I see a 90 year old speaking their mind I smile and think, damn...they just don't care anymore! When someone sees me doing the same think they think I'm crazy or unstable.
Moral of the story? In about 50 years people will start smiling when I act crazy, until then I will just have to put up with their disapproval.
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