Supposed Friends

I don't make enemies. I honestly have a hard time thinking of many people whom I truly disdain. I'm generally fun and happy and easy to get along with.

The other day I saw some former co-workers in a restaurant during the lunch hour. An instant smile spread across my face and I grabbed their attention. "Hey! Man, it's good to see you guys."

One of them replied instantly with a very sober face, "Huh. Wish we could say the same."

..............................................................................

I was dumbfounded and had no idea what to say except, "I probably deserved that", with a slight chuckle. They did not return a chuckle or any indication that they were kidding and the conversation stopped right there as they went back to talking to their friends.

I turned back to my co-workers and we resumed our conversation. But it bothered me a lot. I wondered what I had done to offend them. When I worked with those folks we got along well. In fact, I felt like I was sort of a liaison for our group and theirs. They seemed to prefer dealing with me than many others in my group. We had, what I thought, was a great relationship. Friendly.

If I offend someone I generally apologize quickly and try to regain their trust in short order. I don't like having enemies. It makes for very uncomfortable situations, especially in an office where you have to deal with and speak to these folks on a regular basis. It's the same with me, my wife, and children. I don't let bad feelings fester. It's too energy-consuming. And if I truly apologize and seek forgiveness and it is not given, I move on. I don't have time to deal with it.

But when someone acts offended and I truly have no idea what I did to offend....yikes. Makes me think someone else has poisoned them or spread nasty, untrue rumors about me.

I don't know. Now I'm rambling.

I wish you all the best and may your day be awesome.