It's All About Me Game

Friday, July 18, 2008.....

Have you ever come across the individual that takes your situation and makes it about them? I think everyone has at some point in their life. We also may be guilty of doing it ourselves to others, but that's not the topic of this blog for today..... Today's blog is about dealing with people that turn every situation into them? How do you get them to focus on you and recognize that everything is not about them?

My sister and I were discussing this recently. It appears that are many people who assume this position and it can be frustrating if on the receiving end. After awhile, you either became extremely upset with the individual; ignore them; or can handle the situation by playing this game.

I called my sister up and threw out the following scenario that she had to turn around into her issue:

"I've been unemployed for two months and the market is pretty dry for what I'm looking for. One of the companies I'm interested in, will not be looking at candidates until July as the hiring manager is out of town".

Her response should have been:

"I'm on a horrible project and I don't see an end in site. Be thankful you're unemployed and not in my shoes. You can enjoy your summer."

Unfortunately, my sister, a newbie in the game, was empathetic in her response. I think she was afraid of making me upset because I am frustrated with my job search. However, I wouldn't have said anything that would easily upset me while playing the game.

I have to admit, when playing this game on purpose, it is pretty funny. It makes you go against your human nature because it forces you to only think of your self, and sometimes, it is hard to step inside that role. My sister tried several times to be self-absorbed, but really couldn't.

We'll continue to play the game because it helps us to deal with frustrating people, but also because it makes us laugh.

j