I have been tolerant of many things that my generation is not. I am tolerant of people’s different sexual and religious preferences. I have also been tolerant of people with opposing views even if they trash mine. I have also tolerated traditions that differ from my own. I have always enjoyed learning about what is different from what I am used to doing or seeing, so I learned to tolerate the differences.
However, I find that as I grow older I am no longer tolerant of several types of people and behaviors. I do not have time for people who are petty with me or negative to me. I am finding that life is too short for confrontation on how I live my life. Unfortunately, I am finding that I am less tolerant with people who try to change me, as well.
I have spent practically all my life bending to others’ wills, appeasing difficult personalities, going along with things and behaviors that made me uncomfortable. I have accommodated unsuitable behavior from friends, husbands, and even strangers. I felt it was not my place to judge. And I just wanted to get along with them.
Now, I do not have time for these people. If they want to live and behave in a negative way, I do not have time to waste on them. I am at the end of life. I am not judging them unfavorably; I am just protecting myself, now.
I am also finding that I do not have as many “friends” as I used to. They are gone – they left when I became intolerant of the way I was treated.. Alas, they were never really my friends, just people I knew. These “friends” liked having me around -the person who swallowed her own opinions so she would be liked. I am glad they are gone, but because they and others have left, I fear I will end my days alone. However, I am sure that surrounding myself with people who are positive will create more peace and happiness. And that is what I want and need at this time of life.
So my negative lack of tolerance for people, things, and events that are not creating happiness, will in the end be a positive experience.
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