Post by Susan Peabody on Feb 21, 2022 21:44:02 GMT
Gretchen is the nickname my father gave me. He used to put a bowl on my head and cut around it, so I looked like a little Dutch girl.
Today, Gretchen is the name I call one of my personalities---the one who gets angry and defensive.
I am working to integrate all my personalities, but I am not there yet.
This is an email I sent to a friend.
Dear Shirley: I am the one who needs to apologize to you. I just got back from my outing with Bridget. She read me the riot act. She told me that I teach too much; I preach too much, I do not listen, and do not give her time to speak. She set some boundaries. I am not allowed to talk about God so much and Christianity is off limits. We parted after processing that together. It is too bad you live all the way in Scotland, and we can't have coffee. I also hope our friendship goes on.
When people set boundaries, I panic. I go from embarrassment, shame, anger and then tears. I never had friends growing up. I do not know how to make small talk. I am afraid if I listen, I might hear criticism which I, unfortunately, can't handle because it hurts my feelings. But, according to God, I am a work in progress and willing to learn; slowly. Thank you for your patience. Susan, Susie, Gretchen, Susannah
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