It has become the new “normal” for Americans today to fill their schedules with endless appointments, clubs, events, parties, and the like.  We run around like the little white rabbit in Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland, shouting “I’m late, I’m late!”  Some days, we’re not even quite sure where it is we’re going, but we’re running there, nonetheless.

And, in this process we oftentimes begin to neglect the relationships we claim are so very important to us.

While it’s fantastic to be able to say “NO” to more events and scheduled things, hearing the words “I’m too busy” over and over again begins to mean something different to those who hear it.  It begins to resonate as:

I’m too busy…for you.

We hear you loud and clear as you cancel plans repeatedly with us, but then go on to sign your name up for other things.  We believe that your “have to” labels are just there to help you sleep better at night, but at the end of the day you made your choice.  Again, it wasn’t us.  You may feel OBLIGATED to your work, to your schools, to your clubs and organizations – but what about your family, your friends?  –Your very support network.  How often do you choose them?

As time goes on, our invitations will cease.  We’ll quit calling just to chat or about the “smaller” news of our daily lives.  We’ll quit hoping for anything to change.

We’ll walk away, figuring it’s much better for us to walk away than to be outright walked away from (although it feels like that’s already been done).  And one day, you’ll realize we’re gone…and have been for quite sometime.

Because you were too busy.  For us.

NOTE and a “Sort Of” Disclaimer:

While this post wasn’t written with any ONE person in mind, it was definitely inspired by a few parties.  Regardless, I think the “I’m too busy (for you)” crap is something a lot of people deal with.  If a father tells his son repeatedly that he will not play legos with him every night after work, the son will eventually quit asking.  And, one day…that father will look back and he’ll regret the moments he could’ve spent with his son that he’ll never get back or a chance to redo.  I’m talking to parents, grandparents, spouses, friends, siblings, aunts/uncles/cousins…whomever.

And, if you know me in real life, don’t ask if this blog was about you.  But, if the shoe fits…

I'd love it if you stalked me (subscribe to my RSS feed). Thanks for visiting!