THE OTHER ME

If you know me--but not really the deep complex me--you probably think I am this sweet little old lady.  Always smiling--hugging you--wishing you the best--praying for you----and all that is true--BUT




it seems I may be suffering from MPD-you know-Multiple Personality Disorder-AND--the older I get the quicker the other me can spring to the surface--sadly.  The other me--she is not so sweet---in fact can be a little tart!  I call her--that other me---


THE GROUCHY OLD LADY-
My Inner Ouiser



I am pretty good at keeping her behind the curtains--but with provocation---she throws those curtains aside and comes roaring forth. And once she gets going---it is difficult to slam on the brakes and get her back behind closed doors.

My new tenants--bless their hearts--have provoked The Grouchy Old Lady out of hiding.  It would seem the garage apartment has not been satisfactory for them.  This is the first time in my life as a landlord I have had to deal with unhappy tenants---the first two sets were wonderful.  I like for my tenants to be happy and when they have a complaint or a request--I am quick to remedy the situation.  I look at the apartment and always think--could I live here?   In all fairness, the new tenants have had some legitimate complaints--and I have tried to deal with those.  When it came to the mess the squirrel filled pecan tree was making, I began to wonder if they would be happy.  After all---it is the neighbor's tree and as I told him---it is a short term problem.  There is the option to park on the street until the pecans disappear and no I cannot cut the neighbor's tree.

This is not a slam the tenant post--but rather--how I handle it post.  I am afraid after the first few calls---I began to get a slight bit testy--in fact you might say rather belligerent.  My mode of reaction when I am less than happy or shall we say not pleased with someone is PA ---oh you know I have told you about my long line of passive aggressive kin!  I stop being so sweet--in fact --start absolutely ignoring you--turning my back.  When I was busy complaining to #1 Daughter about the unfolding drama, she looked at me and said, "Mom!  You're getting to be a grouchy old lady."  Nothing else needed to be said--I got the message.

Her short statement made me back up and examine my attitude and responses and question how Godly my behavior was.  Now--I am happy to report---I am going to the source and asking His help in being a Godly landlord and responding in the manner He would have me.  Not always easy--but so much more satisfying to walk away knowing I have gone above and beyond to be a good landlord and neighbor.   The last step in the process is to quit sticking out my tongue when they walk by--and I just may have Ouiser back where she belongs--behind closed doors.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 
Colossians 3:17

4 comments

  1. I cannot possibly imagine you as a grouchy person, Lulu. That's not how you appear from all the posts you write here. You know, people's personality comes out from their writings as well as when you meet them and get to know them face to face. Your writing is NOT groucy.

    Come on ... give it your best ... be rude to me right now. Let's see how grouchy you are.

    I remember once a neighbour complained in Autumn because of the leaves from my trees dropped off the trees and blew in her garden. I tried, as patiently as I could, to explain that the whole neighbourhood was full of trees of every type, shape and kind. How could be so sure that it was my dead leaves that blew in her garden by a wind that was not under my control. (I do not speak of eating beans here!)

    Eventually, I suggested she collects all MY leaves in her garden and that I'd take them all back. But I will not take other peoples' leaves.

    She stopped complaining after that.

    God bless you non-grouchy person.

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    1. My grouchy-ness is selective, Victor-I am never grouchy to people who make me laugh- only those who use me as a doormat 😁
      Blessings, Friend!

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  2. Hormones. Now at age 59, I had, sometimes have, that problem. Mix that with a hair trigger Irish temper, and there you are. Plus I think the pressures of living in this age are sometimes overwhelming. Anyone keeping up with politics is bound to be on edge. I have to keep reminding myself: best to step back, take a deep breath, and say "will my response please God". I try to care more about His opinion than anyone else's.
    By the way, I couldn't stand to deal with tenants. You must be tough as nails. :)
    Hope your day is blessed. ~:)

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    Replies
    1. I am learning some lessons here in TX, Sparky! LOL!
      Blessings to you, Friend!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!