The Lost and Divine Art of Respecting Traffic Flow

I am of the opinion that 95% of all problems that occur between people are a direct result of people not understanding their place or role in a situation. Often times, we lend ourselves more importance thatn the universe has alotted us. We misunderstand exactly how much weight we carry and end up getting our feelings hurt. If people allowed their feelings to be hurt and then moved on with their lives, there wouldn't me much issue, it's the inability to entertain not being right that gets us into trouble. Are you still not understanding what I'm saying? Maybe this example will help you out:

Overzealous Party Goer (OPG): Don't worry we aint gotta wait in line and we're getting in for the free, I know the owner.

(His Friends buy this, they all head to the club, and proceed to skip the line)

(They make it to the front of the line and are met by a BIG ASS BOUNCER (BAB))

BAB: Name Please

OPG: Yo muh dude, I'm ME, so put us in the place

BAB: Nah, bruh, I don't see your name

OPG: But I know the owner, we go waaaay back

BAB: I don't see your name and I've been given strict instructions to follow the list, NO EXCEPTIONS

OPG: Say Bruh, you need to re-look at the list before I get pissed

BAB: It's not on here so if you could kindly get you simple ass in line and pay like errybody else, I won't have to embarrass you

OPG: Nah PHUCKALLADAT

~~~~~~~EVERY THING GOES BLACK~~~~~~~~~

OPG wakes up in the hospital, he didn't realize that the bouncer was a black belt and former NFL Linebacker, and would have never found out had he STAYED IN HIS LANE.

This brings to mind a quote that I got from a former boss, "Don't worry E. Jamal, that man is about as important in this instance as he's ever going to be in life." In that moment OPG felt as if the importance that he had assigned himself was being encroached upon in some fashion and acted out accordingly. Had he respected the authority entrusted to the bouncer, everyone could have had a wonderful evening. I know the example seemed really specific, but I will display it again, this time in the form of an equation:

(p+c)^si+of=E or (person+crowd)^self importance + opposing force=Embarrasment

Much like all other mathmatic equations, the value of this one can be completely changed by substituting one value in for another. If you were to substitute humility for self importance, the new result would be totally different. It may not end in the person totally avoiding embarrasment, but the degree would certainly diminish greatly.

Change of Pace~~~~~~

I feel that the power to discern when you have over stepped your boundaries (re: veered from your lane) can assist in the continuity of any interpersonal relationship. As people grow and change, the value that they hold for one another also changes. The thing that many people grapple with is when it is appropriate to test the waters and assert their position. This puts both you and the other person in a very precarious position. Let's take it to elementary school:

Susan and Vivian had been best friends since pre-school, but upon attending different schools for the first time (high school) things began to change. Vivian became jealous of Susan's new friends and was always angry when they were around. It came to a head when Vivian put it on the line, drop them or drop me. They haven't spoken since. Who is at fault? Forcing someone to choose between two people that hold importance in their life is no bueno and could easily cause an irrepairable rift in a relationship.....so what's more important, your disdain or the friendship?

Well, I'll leave it there. Just wanted to post something. I know it's disjointed, but feel free to comment....or not :)