Ari, That was a well thought out response to Gia although I suspect she meant it a quite different way than you took it.

For me a major part of friendship is remaining focused on positives that outweigh the negatives. Every one of us has our cranky moments, after all.

Lexi

Many opportunities. Really. Like:

- Your friends are reflections of who you are. What makes you a magnet to such people? Identify and correct.
- Cranky people are cranky because their own problems, not you. You can show your true concern for your friends’ well-beings. Your genuine interest has a potential to cut through their childish venting and improve your friendships.
- Similarly, you can practice building your stability. Their actions are only reflections of their own problems — there’s no need for you to take any of it personally. When this concept gets instilled in you, you’ll see that whatever they do don’t upset or affect you.
- Or you may work up your courage to say no and leave those relationships. You’ll feel great about yourself afterward.

Anyway you cut it, you have great opportunities to learn and grow. Have fun!

ari

Agreed — since I started seeing any and all turns in events as potential opportunities or learning experience, few things seem to upset me any more. In addition to being open to what life has to offer, it’s also good for a peace of mind.

ari