Threats and Warnings
Just as a general note... if you threaten me or warn me with a loss of friendship (or really, anything similar) then don't be surprised if I go ahead and cut you out of my life peremptorily. Especially if your warning is over something I see as petty (i.e. something I don't care to honor) v. e.g., "I won't be your friend anymore if you hurt my grandma" which we could laugh about because it's something I'd only do if said grandma pulled a gun on me or something else equally improbable.
Threats from my social circle have been a theme in my life lately and it's a type of threat I simply will not tolerate. Maybe my opinion on this will change in the future, but I'm really not sure.
If you want something, just ask. I'm usually pretty cool about things when asked, and if it IS an ongoing problem that is beyond my means/desire to control then I'll let you know and we can cut it there. No acrimony is necessary, although it's certainly an option if you want some. I don't mind playing the villain or putting on my "OMG ANGRY!" demeanor as a last show for a former friend.
Tanzan and Ekido were once traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still falling.
Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.
"Come on, girl" said Tanzan at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.
Ekido did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then he no longer could restrain himself. "We monks don't go near females," he told Tanzan, "especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?"
"I left the girl there," said Tanzan. "Are you still carrying her?"
I like it, even if I can't always keep myself disconnected, as I'm not that enlightened yet. Also, I really like Tanzan's koans in general.
Threats from my social circle have been a theme in my life lately and it's a type of threat I simply will not tolerate. Maybe my opinion on this will change in the future, but I'm really not sure.
If you want something, just ask. I'm usually pretty cool about things when asked, and if it IS an ongoing problem that is beyond my means/desire to control then I'll let you know and we can cut it there. No acrimony is necessary, although it's certainly an option if you want some. I don't mind playing the villain or putting on my "OMG ANGRY!" demeanor as a last show for a former friend.
Tanzan and Ekido were once traveling together down a muddy road. A heavy rain was still falling.
Coming around a bend, they met a lovely girl in a silk kimono and sash, unable to cross the intersection.
"Come on, girl" said Tanzan at once. Lifting her in his arms, he carried her over the mud.
Ekido did not speak again until that night when they reached a lodging temple. Then he no longer could restrain himself. "We monks don't go near females," he told Tanzan, "especially not young and lovely ones. It is dangerous. Why did you do that?"
"I left the girl there," said Tanzan. "Are you still carrying her?"
I like it, even if I can't always keep myself disconnected, as I'm not that enlightened yet. Also, I really like Tanzan's koans in general.