There is always a word, phrase, lyric, or theme that when new (to me) will hold my attention for weeks. I will overuse it, and apply it to any situation no matter the context ad nauseam. For the past few weeks the phrase "in the flow of conversation" has been it. Considering the five Ws - who, what, when, where, and why - I've used the phrase a lot while actually in the flow of conversation.

In the flow of conversation with some random ass dude that I know from work, he humbly bragged about being the go-to for advice among his friend group. Adversely, It came off as him putting others down to elevate himself. He would believe it is weak to complain and seemingly define strength, in context, as an outer appearance or appearing to have it all together.

Listen With Your Ears and Not Yo' Mouf' 

I dislike when I'm talking with someone and they Mr. Me Too me. To be fair I believe it is human nature, and not an attempt to minimize someone's experience. However, there are times when it is absolutely an effort to invalidate or assuage someone’s feelings. Some random ass dude that I know from work would say,

"I had to get it out the mud, so chin up buttercup, your lil' situation ain't nothing" 

We use our personal experience to show relatability and understanding, but when it is done without intent listening it becomes ineffective. Because I Am aware of this I TRY and not Mr. Me Too others.

It is not ungratefulness, blanket negativity, or weakness to complain, voice concerns or acknowledge problems. Life will never be completely positive and it is immature and shortsighted to expect it to be. Some random ass dude that I know from work would argue that others have life worse, as if that alone is enough to invalidate someone’s feelings. How we feel about something should not be put on a scale to be ranked and compared as it is highly personal.

Weakness is denial, suppression, and reaction formation. Strength is acknowledgment and problem-solving.

O. B. TramueL