"Life's too short to stay mad at people"
or
"Life's too short to be around people who generate negative energy."
This comes up (again, as it does every so often) because a friend is trying to decide how to handle an unwelcome influence who wants to be in her life. I didn't bring it up in her lj (sorry) because I happen to think she's making the right call, and I don't want anything to distract her for that.
Still, it brings up one of my favorite connundrums, a situation in which I often find myself. How can I tell the difference between a vampire parasite creature and a true friend who's going through some things and will be fine later, if I can just hang in there?
In the spirit of identifying and conquring the VPC, I have composed the following poll. As always, your support and cooperation is appreciated.
How do you tell the difference between a VPC and a friend?
VPCs wear capes
0(0.0%)
VPCs are always talking when they should be listening
0(0.0%)
VPCs have a certain look
0(0.0%)
VPCs always have time when it's about them, but don't have time when it's about you
1(12.5%)
When a VPC asks, "How's your day?" they mean "I want to talk about my day"
0(0.0%)
VPCs know they are smarter than you, and they'll be happy to tell you about it.
0(0.0%)
VPCs are usually prettier than you, and would be happy to tell you about it.
0(0.0%)
Anything that you've done, a VPC has also done.
0(0.0%)
VPCs have no reflection and always look bloated when they leave you
1(12.5%)
Is this helping you, hon?
1(12.5%)
If you checked "VPCs have a certain look," please describe the look
What's a true friend?
Someone who always knows how to make you laugh?
0(0.0%)
Someone who even makes you laugh at yourself?
0(0.0%)
Someone who listens?
0(0.0%)
Someone who brings you the perfect comfort food when you're sick.
0(0.0%)
And sticks around to talk to you while you eat it.
0(0.0%)
Someone who knows when talk, when to listen, and when do neither.
1(14.3%)
Someone who lets you see what's hurting and gives you a chance to help
0(0.0%)
Someone who will willing to exercise with you, even after doing it once
0(0.0%)
Someone who listens to you and doesn't post what you say on the internet immediately thereafter
0(0.0%)
Do you use an electric toothbrush?
Yes
2(25.0%)
No
6(75.0%)
If yes on 4:
Did it make your teeth hurt?
0(0.0%)
For how long?
0(0.0%)
Do you love it?
0(0.0%)
Do you wonder why people don't use them?
0(0.0%)
If no on 4 - Why not?
Too expensive.
0(0.0%)
I'm not THAT lazy!
0(0.0%)
It's just pointless bother
0(0.0%)
I don't actually brush my teeth, I'm hoping if I leave them alone, they'll go away.
0(0.0%)
Actually, I have a water pic that rocks. Electric toothbrushes are for weenies
1(16.7%)
Electric toothbrushes are for weenies, even if I don't have a water pic
0(0.0%)
There's absolutely nothing wrong with a manual toothbrush, but I'm being strong and resisting the urge to call you a weenie, weenie.
2(33.3%)
Other
1(16.7%)
If you answered "Other" on 6, feel free to vent your spleen now. You have 200 characters.
And while we're on the subject of venting your spleen, have at it. You have the next 255 characters to say anything that pleases you.
