I have an Opinion

I have an opinion. It is mine. It's not right or wrong. It's just my opinion.

I've let this get me down long enough. For a few weeks now, I've been tip-toeing around the elephant on the knitting table. I've become paranoid that something I've said has offended every living thing in a five mile radius. Or, at least my simply being, has offended a few. Since there was no grown up discussion about it, I am left to wonder what it is about me that is so horrible. I am afraid to say the wrong thing to the wrong person. I am afraid that having a frank discussion with another person, alienates others. I've been feeling that everyone would be happy if I just stayed home. Because there is something wrong with my personality. What is so horrible about me?

And today I realized. Nothing. This is me. Good, bad, flakey. Take it or leave it, but I won't wonder if the group wants to vote me off the island anymore. If they don't want me, then they can be grown-ups and ask me to stop coming. And I will respect their wishes. But I'm not going to walk on eggshells any more becasue of a few folks who have decided that they want to separate in a manner that can only be called juvenile. (I recall this happening in 6th grade) That is their choice. Fine.

Someone told me that I wasn't their friend. Ok, I will not force myself on them, and I haven't. I have respected their wishes. One person posted that they want to focus on other areas of their life. Perfectly understandable. I have respected this person's wish and not pried. I'm not their mother or spouse, it isn't my business if they don't want to talk to me. (and yet now they wonder why no one has pried?!)

These people seem not to care about the hurt they have caused others by their pursuit of martyrdom. In their self-righteous snit, they have hurt and alienated people who have never been anything but nice to them. And I don't count myself as one of those number. I am sure I've said something offensive. I have my own opinions and not everyone agrees. Got help the world if that ever happened! So, I am sure that I am one of who they refer to as "mean girls." As the proclaim they only want honesty in their clandestine group's self-description. I say, have at it. But it was childish to remove the main group's logo and alter the name as you removed yourself from the group. There is honest for you.

They are gone by choice. I am not. I will not wonder anymore. I do not care anymore. I will be myself and not afraid. If someone takes issue with an opinion of mine, please speak to me, I rarely bite.

ps-Thank you Katrin for the debate. I honestly enjoyed it.