Quirks

I'll be the first to admit I can be quirky. I talk to much. I have opinions . . . lawd, do I have opinions. I curse like a sailor on shore leave. I bag my own groceries because I have this complicated system combining foods that should be bagged together along with how things get unpacked at home. I've sought out counseling from time to time in my life . . . as I get overwhelmed or need a fresh perspective. However, I've been lucky enough that I've not yet needed to add medications to my mental health routine. I like to think I'm pretty sane, for the most part.

I have lately been wondering if some folks who are tipping away from the "sane" end of the scales aren't really just suffering from giving into their personal quirks.

I have a friend who is so afraid of skin cancer that she wears long sleeves, hats, and gloves ALL SUMMER LONG.

I have another friend who vehemently denies being a "flirt" (even in the most innocent of possible interpretations of that word) but at the same time cannot help but make physical contact with men she works with/sees in social settings.

I have another friend who seems to be so very afraid of failure that he has essentially given up trying anything. He has been unemployed for a while now. He has advanced degrees and has worked in high profile, important positions. But, he quits what he's doing on a regular basis.

My friend was recently offered a really excellent job doing exactly what he's trained to do. Everyone in our little circle is holding our breath and wondering if he'll actually take the job or not? After all, we don't call him "no-show" for nothing.

UPDATE: after a flurry of emails regarding the new job, new cars, and new housing . . . the most recent message was that he would not be needing assistance with a move. I'm thinking that the decision is tilting heavily towards turning down the job and chosing to be a bitter failure the rest of his life. But, it's a choice.

2nd UPDATE: No Show lived up to his name.