When is it “that bad”? Everyone always says that phrase as if it’s an actual measure. But you know, it’s different for everyone. How do you know what constitutes “that bad” for someone else?
In particular as regards to suicide. We had a young woman who was married, with kids, kill herself this past week. (her father and my boss are good friends – so it’s not someone close to us, but still. It impacted us.) sparked a conversation between my boss and myself about nothing being “that bad”. But obviously – to her it was. And today – I’m seeing partially from her point of view. For whatever reason today – I get it. I’m not saying I agree with suicide, or that I would actually commit it myself. And I’m not trying to be dramatic or worry anyone or anything like that. But today – I’m particularly irritated at the phrase “that bad”. And people in general – their use of it.
It’s different for everyone. What is “that bad”. Part of what makes us unique is our differences. And part of those differences are the circumstances surrounding us and how we deal with them. Or don’t deal with them as the case may be.
One thing that my boss and I were talking about was how selfish suicide is. And it is. I honestly believe it’s the most selfish act you can possibly commit. But at the same time I can understand how you can convince yourself that your kids, your family, your friends, whatever would actually be better off without you. And I don’t think society in general is very tolerant of that.
(Sorry to be a downer today – just frustrated with cliches and meaningless words)
This was interesting. I sometimes tell people, “Oh, its not that bad.” I will have to stop, because maybe it is that bad. Great post.