...THE VORTEX...

K this one is for you.

Somewhere in the great universe there is a large void of darkness - we call it (place echo sound effect here) *the vortex*. It is a powerful entity which works in many ways to consume its victims: in the same way that a black hole devours all that is around it to such an extent that even light cannot escape, surely *the vortex* has similar effects. Upon nearing the entity, one is first attracted by some pleasing feature – perhaps it looks like a bed of roses – or maybe you hear nice music (insert flower animations and harps and flutes playing); once you have entered within range of its tentacles it slowly caresses, then – without warning – it strikes. It’s most effective weapon is guilt. You are made to believe that whatever has gone wrong is your fault, you worry constantly that it’s feelings will/have been hurt by something you have done or said – or worse still – something you haven’t said or done. You find yourself spending way more time than you’d planned – even if it’s not happy time spent. You find yourself laughing and smiling at jokes when really all you want to do is bang your head on a wall (or perhaps bang someone else’s head on a wall). In short – you walk on egg shells afraid there will be an explosion of the smoldering kind – the sulky smoldering kind – and when there is you do all that is possible to compensate, to correct.
I’m sure you’ve all come across a vortex by now – at least one person who has the ability to thoroughly depress within minutes. The type of person you walk away from feeling as though next time –perhaps you’ll just run the other way (and hope that they don’t see).
Well, guys - I wish I had a bit of knowlegde to impart - a way to make yourself more tolerant towards them. Sadly I don't know the answer. I want you to know though, that you are not alone - there are many sufferers out there, including me. My only insight is to take sometime to get to know them (bite the bullet, swallow the pill) but don't let them consume you - feel able to say "no" without feeling guilty - know that it's NOT your fault, know that it is within your right to walk away. Be strong my sisters (and brothers). Be strong.
tulip

quote for the day: "Besides, I'm morally opposed to back hair" K