Perhaps this is a rant or perhaps it is a series of casual observations that have manifested into cause for a blog post. Regardless of the reason, these words interrupted my sleep and wanted to be written.
Each one of us has a collection of friends that is as diverse as the hues throughout the color spectrum. And although we tend to gravitate to like-minded individuals, there are always the few friends that add the spice to our lives – those people who share similar interests but sometimes deviate so far from our idea of normal behavior that we simply shake our heads and wonder why.
During my 44 years on this revolving Earth I have met a myriad of characters – it comes with the territory when you work in hospitality. But I have only experienced a few people who live their life by one simple standard.
(image credit: keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk)
Every story ever told seems to pale in comparison to what this person has experienced. If you have faced medical issues, they have narrowly escaped amputation. If you were in a car accident, they were extracted from an accordion, that used to be a vehicle, by two fire departments using the jaws of life. You will never have one experience in your life that this person has not endured more suffering under the same circumstance. There is no conceit involved. They don’t ever claim to be the best at anything in their life, but they most definitely have encountered every situation in a more personal and more painful way.
Over the years I have learned how to spot these people fairly quickly. They don’t tend to hide in a crowd for long and I have learned to limit my conversation about any personal issues for fear of hearing another calamity that is monstrous compared to my story.
Perhaps during my next encounter with one of these people I will suggest that they should live in a bubble!
polysyllabic profundities 
Nope, no real use for them at all.
They do give me a bit of a skin rash!
On a side note – how was your vacation??
Too short, but a lot of fun while it lasted.
But it’s going to turn into an extended off-line vacation. It was really nice not being plugged in.
I’m glad it was fun…and glad you enjoyed the benefits of the real world vs. cyber-space. 🙂
Always follow your gut when it comes to writing. it will lead to you to wild and wonderful places.
Yes, so true. : ) Self centered folks. I know a few myself.
They are a very interesting breed of human.
I think we all know someone like that, as you said they are a very interesting breed 😀 😀
I’ve known people like this. As soon as I identify them I stop telling them things.
I do the same – I wish others would get on board as well!!
It’s just so annoying.
It always reminds me of the line from Beaches – “enough about me, let’s talk about you. What do you think of me?”
Ah, the “one-uppers.” I’ve tried to distance myself from them as well. It’s like, “that’s great, but we’re not competing.”
Precisely!
Of course, I think I’ve dealt with much worse one-uppers than you have.
That’s too bad….it just makes me sad that they feel so compelled to compete.
It makes me even sadder!
Sometimes I have a hard time discerning the “one-uppers” from those who are just trying to relate to me.
This one in particular is a total one-upper. It just becomes sad after a while.
Indeed. 🙂 I know someone who is worse than your one-upper.. 😉 just kidding.
haha….great comment. 🙂
I have/had one of these and may indeed have been guilty as well. I do love your poster.
I’m sure I’ve done it as well, but not to the extent of a few people I know!! And thank you. 🙂
I love it when words won’t let me get to sleep. This is funny, and it’s good to be able to laugh at these folks.
I should learn to laugh more often and not let it bother me so much.