OM walked right in front of me out in community in my hometown. I’ve never met him but recognized him.
I called him out. Asked what he was doing here and told him to leave.
He said this is a public restaurant and I’m going here for lunch.
I told him , “ no im going for lunch here and you need to leave now,” with no friendliness in my voice.
He left. I kept my cool and enjoyed the afternoon.
And if he hadn’t of left? What then?
Originally Posted by Rockon
This has been hard (him in my space) but I’m managing well.
“My space”. What space is that?
I get it. First time seeing the OP in the wild is a difficult moment. Bumping in to them, face to face. The space they’re intruding upon is in your head.
A restaurant is a place open to its patrons. Public places are open to everyone. You can have expectations of OM not being there or leaving if you demand such, however you will most likely be disappointed. (Unmet expectations lead to resentment.) Realize, OM has just as much a right to be a patron or attend public spaces as you do.
You control you. You can control your actions and how you react (physically) to seeing OM. The next and every subsequent time it will get easier and easier. Controlled actions will influence your emotions towards OM. And that will evict OM from your head space.
You can find him detestable. It’s not like you are going sit with him and have lunch together. Yet, you should be able to be in the same building. (Like I said, I get the first time. Next time, do better, be better. Not bitter.)
Do this inner work. Make peace with this reality. Or OM will live in your head and you’ll harbour resentment and grudges.
Have a great Saturday.
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
