In 1995, I called a friend just before Christmas to see if he would be home that night so I could bring him my annual Christmas present (a dated ornament.) He said sure. When I got there, nobody was home, so I left the ornament in the mailbox and went home. I was going to call to find out what happened, but thought “R. has only called me 3 times in all the years I’ve known him — twice to announce the birth of his children and once to tell me about the shuttle blowing up. I’m going to wait until he calls me with an explanation.”
In high school, I decided I wasn’t going to go over to my best friend’s house until he contacted me. After waiting 2 weeks, I broke down and went over there. He wanted to know why I was mad at him and stayed away for “like a month”.
For me it was my family. I was the surprise youngest of siblings with a large age spread, and not much effort was made to cement a family connection. I’d see them maybe twice a year at holidays, even though we all lived in the same town. So none of them really knew me growing up, essentially I was an “only child.”
Still, trying to keep “family” when I got older, I used to call them to find out how they were or ask for life advice, just to stay in touch. Finally my sister snapped, “Why do you call? We don’t have time to chat on the phone.”
Horrified, realizing I had just been a pest, I stopped calling. At first I was terribly hurt, of course, but it dawned on me none of them had ever called me just to chat or check in. Even important events had happened in my life without anyone reaching out. So, it was a relief to let go of the burden trying to keep a non-existent flame flickering.
Fast forward and I’m getting re-married, a very small affair. My frail elderly father, living across the country who I hadn’t seen in years, called to say he decided to come. I hadn’t planned on him being there, assuming he wasn’t up to the trip and was touched. However, when he heard I hadn’t invited the sibs, he got upset, adamant I had to invite them, “it was the right thing to do.” I explained it was not out of spite or anything like that, we’re just not in each others orbit. I haven’t seen or heard from them in years. I joked, “come on, they did their time at the big shindig 30 years ago.”
He finally fessed up he had told them about the wedding, assuming they would be invited, fussing he had made a faux pas. I tried to reassure him, “Really, I’m sure they don’t mind. Think about it, apparently they’ve known for months I’m getting married, right? No one has called with a ‘congratulations’.”
Since he wasn’t going to get to see the other folks after all, he found an excuse not to come. He had a stroke and died a month later.
My woman done left me, say she’s going to the store. Now I’ve been waiting on dinner since July of ‘94. I’m thinking she lied to me ya’ll, but only the man knows up above. But after twenty-seven years of waiting I’ve lost my appetite for love.
i like stuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuufffffff almost 3 years ago
stubborn charlie brown
JD'Huntsville'AL almost 3 years ago
In 1995, I called a friend just before Christmas to see if he would be home that night so I could bring him my annual Christmas present (a dated ornament.) He said sure. When I got there, nobody was home, so I left the ornament in the mailbox and went home. I was going to call to find out what happened, but thought “R. has only called me 3 times in all the years I’ve known him — twice to announce the birth of his children and once to tell me about the shuttle blowing up. I’m going to wait until he calls me with an explanation.”
I’m still waiting.
LeeCox almost 3 years ago
This is what happens when you make every conversation about yourself, Charlie Brown. Eventually, nobody can stand to be around you!
Templo S.U.D. almost 3 years ago
bummer
Major Matt Mason Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Of all the Charlie Browns, you’re the Charlie Browniest.
Captain Charlie almost 3 years ago
This is me. I always have to talk first
Boots at the Boar Premium Member almost 3 years ago
In high school, I decided I wasn’t going to go over to my best friend’s house until he contacted me. After waiting 2 weeks, I broke down and went over there. He wanted to know why I was mad at him and stayed away for “like a month”.
iggyman almost 3 years ago
“Why’s everybody always pickin on me” Charlie Brown the coasters!
iggyman almost 3 years ago
I seldom get calls except from my brother who lives 2000 miles away! The close ones hardly ever call!
Egrayjames almost 3 years ago
Some people just have a way with social skills. You and I, Charlie Brown are not one of those people.
JoanHelen almost 3 years ago
Sad, lonely little boy. :(
Billavi Premium Member almost 3 years ago
You’re off putting. Either work on your flaws, or learn to enjoy your own company.
Gandalf almost 3 years ago
You’ve had a day of peace and quiet.
prairiedogdance Premium Member almost 3 years ago
For me it was my family. I was the surprise youngest of siblings with a large age spread, and not much effort was made to cement a family connection. I’d see them maybe twice a year at holidays, even though we all lived in the same town. So none of them really knew me growing up, essentially I was an “only child.”
Still, trying to keep “family” when I got older, I used to call them to find out how they were or ask for life advice, just to stay in touch. Finally my sister snapped, “Why do you call? We don’t have time to chat on the phone.”
Horrified, realizing I had just been a pest, I stopped calling. At first I was terribly hurt, of course, but it dawned on me none of them had ever called me just to chat or check in. Even important events had happened in my life without anyone reaching out. So, it was a relief to let go of the burden trying to keep a non-existent flame flickering.
Fast forward and I’m getting re-married, a very small affair. My frail elderly father, living across the country who I hadn’t seen in years, called to say he decided to come. I hadn’t planned on him being there, assuming he wasn’t up to the trip and was touched. However, when he heard I hadn’t invited the sibs, he got upset, adamant I had to invite them, “it was the right thing to do.” I explained it was not out of spite or anything like that, we’re just not in each others orbit. I haven’t seen or heard from them in years. I joked, “come on, they did their time at the big shindig 30 years ago.”
He finally fessed up he had told them about the wedding, assuming they would be invited, fussing he had made a faux pas. I tried to reassure him, “Really, I’m sure they don’t mind. Think about it, apparently they’ve known for months I’m getting married, right? No one has called with a ‘congratulations’.”
Since he wasn’t going to get to see the other folks after all, he found an excuse not to come. He had a stroke and died a month later.
thepinkbaroness almost 3 years ago
I felt this on a spiritual level.
txmystic almost 3 years ago
I resonate with this…but I just finally accepted the fact that I am more naturally extroverted than most and willing to make an effort…
WCraft Premium Member almost 3 years ago
Kind of like Saturday nights in high school – (commenting for a friend)
Howie Vasive Premium Member almost 3 years ago
My woman done left me, say she’s going to the store. Now I’ve been waiting on dinner since July of ‘94. I’m thinking she lied to me ya’ll, but only the man knows up above. But after twenty-seven years of waiting I’ve lost my appetite for love.
Kip W almost 3 years ago
I only had a few thousand days like this.
billyk75 almost 3 years ago
CB can’t take the hint.
JesseLouisMartinez almost 3 years ago
Did you think your friends actually wanted to play with you
wolfboy oz boy almost 3 years ago
it’s ok Charlie Brown
Sailor46 USN 65-95 almost 3 years ago
In my neighborhood all we had to do was go outside and start walking, they’d be a crowd of kids and dogs within 5 minutes.
Shikamoo Premium Member almost 3 years ago
That’s too bad, Charlie Brown. Next time, swallow your pride.