I can be a very dramatic person.  I don’t necessarily think of myself as a drama queen, but I do think I have a tendency to make mountains out of molehills.  I can be very protective of my family if I think someone is up to no good where they are concerned. I have been known to bark first, ask questions later. 

I also think I read into things. Lord knows I am like my mother in that regards.  EVERYONE is out to get her, every comment is meant to hurt rather than seek out information, etc.  And while I don’t think I am quite as paranoid as she is, I do think I have a tendency to look for the hidden meaning in things.

Which is why Roy is such a good match for me.  It takes a LOT for him to get worked up, and he tends to give people the benefit of the doubt (something I’m not very good at).  And one thing I’ve learned over the years is that bouncing my annoyance or anger off him can save me some grief in the long run.

I will often go to him with some (perceived) horrible transgression…

“ROY!” I will yell to him, as I stomp into his office, “Do you KNOW what she said to me?”

“No, dear.  What?” This is his normal reply!

Now, this will sometimes give me pause.  He can come off as condescending, and I HATE that, so his tone will often cause me to stop and think.  Do I want to proceed and get ridiculed?  Is it worth it?  If I decide it isn’t, I give him the stank eye and say, “Never mind.”

But once in awhile, the transgression is so bad I have to risk the ridicule, “Do you know my mother told me I should do more cardio?! Does she have any clue how hard I work at the gym?  What the hell is that about?”

“Ok, and?” That’s it?  I am furious, and that’s the best you can do?  At this point, I am about ready to throw something.  Really, I am grievously offended, and that is the best you can offer me? 

“That’s it?  That’s all you have to say?”  This is where I cross my arms and attempt to look intimidating.

“Honey, you know how your mother is.  You work hard, and you look great.  Does it really matter what she thinks? Or anyone else?”

And there you have it folks… my bubble has burst.  My anger has left the building.  Granted, I am pretty sure my mother hasn’t said this, and this was just a made up example (though she has certainly said similar things), but Roy and I have had similar discussions over the years.  And while I usually hate hearing “Ok, and?”  It does put my drama into perspective.