What are you supposed to feel like to be called crazy by people who barely know you? Or even by those who claim to be your friend? And why would they call you a friend if they feel this way about you?
It’s impossible for any one person to know all there is about you when they have only experienced a small portion of your life. Unless they completely understand your history, struggled with your trials, felt your anguish, heartache or happiness there isn’t anyone alive who can say they fully grasp another person's life story.
Flippant remarks based upon nothing more than armchair diagnosis of psychosis is a dangerous habit to develop. It alienates those who are doing the scrutinizing and also reflects poorly on them rather than on their target. Also it serves no constructive purpose.
The world is full of enough pain and suffering to add further injury and harm to those who are not deserving of bullying tactics of others. The old adage, “if you don’t have anything nice to say then say nothing at all” can apply to everyone throughout their lives.
What you say and especially what you chose not to say about others reveals a lot about you and your character. Almost anyone has the ability to take a conversation, turn it into a confrontation and elevate it into a huge, out of control, over the top, drama laden mess. It takes calm, selfless and willing participate to back away and to deescalate the situation.
The most articulate, cunning, and criticizing person doesn’t automatically win the war on words. There is never a winner when everyone loses. Unless the purpose is to estrange people, there isn’t any benefit in engaging in behavior that only causes more strife.
The point of this is that if you are friends with people and wish to remain friends then curb your tongue. If you want to be a friend, then offer a shoulder or your ear. Stop further victimization and reach out to strengthen their resolve. Sometimes only being available to listen to them vent is all that’s needed. It’s not about being right; it’s about compassion, understanding, and extinguishing the fire of adversity when and if you can.
Some people come into other person's life for a reason, some for a season and others for a lifetime. Make your time in someone else’s life count for something positive. Walk away with dignity and honor if your usefulness has been fulfilled.
Leave every relationship better than you found it and more enriched for having been a part of it. Remember that people may forget what you’ve done for them and what you gave to them, but they will never forget how you made them feel. And it costs absolutely nothing to make another person feel better. To have a friend, one must be a friend.