Have you heard this from serious runners? They like to posit that there are two types of people in this world – runners and non-runners. Well, as a non-serious runner, I’d like to propose my own version of over-simplifying the entire world’s inhabitants – those who get it, and those who don’t.
I think most of you know exactly what I am talking about when you take a second to think about it. There is always that one person who doesn’t get it. It may be that family member that close friend, or that colleague. You say something, and everyone who gets it hears one thing, the person who doesn’t get it, always hears something else.
Sometimes they are belligerent, and sometimes they are just innocently stubborn in their own beliefs and ways. No matter what the rest of us perceive as the real truth, they always see something else.
Why does it matter? I see the people who don’t get it and wished fervently that they would drop that perspective (if they can) and enjoy the normal and good things in life that can come their way. Don’t get me wrong. These people are a tiny minority but you recognize them.
You say a nice or helpful thing to ten people and nine of them will say “gosh, thank you, that is awfully nice. I appreciate it.” That one person who doesn’t get it will say something like “why? I don’t get it. What bad thing are you trying to do to me that benefits you?” Their radar is broken and they cannot spot the good from bad.
I see it in the exasperated wife or husband who sits with me. The one who gets it, gets it. The other one throws up road-blocks, straw men, personal biases that are without rhyme or reason, and you see the life and energy drain out from their partner.
I don’t know what the prescription is but it is the truth – two types of people. Word to the wise – don’t be the one who doesn’t get it. It is hazardous to you, to your life, and to those around you.
By W M Law Attorney, Karen Maxcy
