Once upon a time I used to think that given a chance most individual will rise up to your expectations. Needless to say this expectation got me into a lot of trouble. Still does. As recently as Monday afternoon!
But then despite a few unfortunate exceptions including the one on Monday, most individuals that I have had the pleasure of working with did rise to meet my expectations. Some have been generous to a fault, some understanding and some absolutely lovable with their support, their loyalty and their unquestionable faith in us.
Some are friends, some clients, some colleagues, some team members and some family.
But it’s the exceptions that really piss me off. I understand that as a rule, the only sane thing to do is to have no expectations at all. Atleast that is what we were supposed to pick up and learn in New York. But a lesson learnt a decade ago is hard to remember when you are blessed with friends who will go to the end of the world to help you out.
And we have been truly blessed. No doubt.
But every now and then the rare friend comes along who would break the mold in your mind, kick you when you are down, stomp all over your expectations and given the chance even piss on your grave.
And I have unfortunately run into three of these unique specimens these last 12 months. I have either grown too sensitive (possibly) or in my old age I am making questionable judgment about who is a friend (likely) or I am making friends too easily (maybe). Or maybe it’s just that hard times are a great time for you to find out who really is a friend.
As two colleagues at work reminded me recently you can’t let an exception drive your behavior. For every disappointment, there have been ten surprises. For every piss on your grave (POG) type there have been twenty who have offered a helping hand.
But I still can’t get over the disappointments and the POGs. I guess I get my day to wallow in self pity.
To the POGs in my life, thank you.
Without you, I would have never really appreciated the friends I do have.