How to be Polite

So I realize, it’s the holidays. Time for forgiveness and goodwill towards men. Well, first off, easier said than done. Also, I’ve learned that it’s quite difficult to practice what you preach.

My friend likes this guy, well, love-likes actually. And I hate him, why? For the pure and simple reason that he has made her cry. It’s enough for me to break out the good ole Taylor Swift single and seriously consider investing in some batman-style fighting knuckles.

Anyway, last night, a group of us were at a party…which later drifted into a midnight run of Steak N Shake. This guy had already ditched my dear friend who was visibly upset–AGAIN–and then called like a little he-bitch telling her he’d meet her at Steak N Shake in say, 30 minutes.

Well an hour later and he shows up. He’s not as tall or as cute as I remembered and no one at our table made any effort to stand up. Not only that, but he shows up with two other cronies, guys with popped collars and fedora hats and gold chains. Like some sort of Suburban Mafia. (I mean, he chose to hang out with THOSE guys instead of this gorgeous model bombshell who has been in love with him for two years? REALLY?!)

Out of silent pleading from my friend I promised to behave, and spent most of the night with my hands clutched together under the table.

Not only did he talk incessantly about himself, and especially his shoes, but he also ignored us, and got dagger-stare throw-downs from me. Looking back now, I really wish I was better. I wish I was nice, and polite, and hospitable because being mean at someone super-mean, never makes you feel better. It just makes you feel like an ass. And boy, am I feeling THAT. But at the time, I was not thinking so clearly and it was only out of pure unadulterated love for my friend that kept me from shooting out his kneecaps.

Actually at one point, I was so upset I started shaking, and could not feel the circulation to my fingertips. I started tearing holes into my panty-hose…but JD was there, and he was sitting next to me, and he put his hand on top of mine, and undid my anger and just, grasped my fingers. We basically spent the rest of the night like that. And it was so much more pleasant than can be described here. And that’s what happens when you let your anger go. Things are infinitely better.

So what lessons have we learned?
1. It’s ok to be mad at the guy your friend loves because he hurt her.
2. You should always take the high road and be the bigger person. His behavior is no excuse for you to be a bitch.
3. If you are going to be angry, please sit next to someone wonderful who knows how to make you feel all girly and pretty and tingly inside.
4. Steak N Shake is not a good group date setting. The lighting is too harsh and they never mop the floor.

Hmm, well, I guess I’ll be ready for next time. I’ll keep you posted.
-Katche.