Why do some of my friends invest precious time with individuals who drive them nuts?
As I age, I’m getting better at chasing after only people who bring joy to my life. I hide out from those other guys who leave me on empty.
An example: I have a neighbor we’ll call Marty, who wants to chat when I’m walking by. Marty knows the “secret stuff” that’s going on with families who live between his house and the lake. It’s always something pretty despicable. He just thinks I should have a heads-up. Since Sherry and I pride ourselves on being the most weird and private people in our neighborhood, I hate to imagine the colorful stories Marty floats about us.
For seven years, I’ve taken a left turn out of my driveway on my daily walk, hoping to bring a little serenity to the end of a busy day. Marty lives two houses down on the left. Often, he’s waiting at his mailbox to ambush me. I can’t escape. He walks with me until another terrible tale is told.
I could turn right – but then I face a huge hill that makes me sweat and breathe like a panting dog.
I just turned 75 years old. I’m smarter and wiser than when I was 74.
For my physical and mental health, I’m turning right from now on.