Houseguests are like fish, lol, after 3 days they stink...
Ok, it's not that bad, lol. But I'm still glad he's leaving today....
As expected, my uncle loved the hike, took lots of photos. That quiet thing made everyone a bit uncomfortable though in the beginning. We went with my hiking meetup group, and he just stood there and watched as everyone introduced themselves. Made it a bit creepy. On the way up, he took off in the lead, didn't care that we had a few people who were moving more slowly. I finally just ignored him, let him go off on his own (he has a GPS), and kept the meetup group together (taking breaks so the slower ones felt like part of the pack and not overwhelmed). As we came back down from the peak, he decided to be friendlier, left me and another girl (the slowest one) behind as he and the rest of the group just kept on going, not stopping at all... but at least then he carried on conversation.
Afterward, we stopped over at the brewing company - I'd never been inside before, my friend said they had sodas so she made me feel comfortable right away... one beer and my uncle got a little ugly. MAN, there's a cruel streak in him. He uses his words like a weapon... one minute he's this interesting guy who has travelled everywhere, next minute he's picking arguments. The group itself liked him... the waitress at the restaurant we went to next HATED him. Luckily the group had gone home by then. I really thought we were going to get kicked out when we ordered dinner. Stupid argument about beer (domestic and import) and how it should be priced - really, it's not the poor girl's fault she's just saying what her boss told her to say. But, just like I always did with my X, I maneuvered the conversation with my words, defused the situation, and he settled down - after apologizing to me that the waitress was going to spit in our food...
He plans to come back to visit again... I would love having him again as well, but next time, I'm gonna be more prepared for his visit. And he plans to camp out in the forest so people encounters will be more limited.
And once again, I learned something about MYSELF in this experience... I found out where my cynical side comes from, how my words can be construed... I too have used my words as weapons and now I know where that came from. It explained alot today... and I'm glad I changed and am not like that so much anymore (only when I need it) - I'd rather be clueless and happy than worldly and bitter. And BTW, during the after hike beers, I've been invited for overnight backpacking in the Big Horn Mountains in the next summer or two with several of the meetup people... and I think I'm gonna give it a try!
LATER!
As expected, my uncle loved the hike, took lots of photos. That quiet thing made everyone a bit uncomfortable though in the beginning. We went with my hiking meetup group, and he just stood there and watched as everyone introduced themselves. Made it a bit creepy. On the way up, he took off in the lead, didn't care that we had a few people who were moving more slowly. I finally just ignored him, let him go off on his own (he has a GPS), and kept the meetup group together (taking breaks so the slower ones felt like part of the pack and not overwhelmed). As we came back down from the peak, he decided to be friendlier, left me and another girl (the slowest one) behind as he and the rest of the group just kept on going, not stopping at all... but at least then he carried on conversation.
Afterward, we stopped over at the brewing company - I'd never been inside before, my friend said they had sodas so she made me feel comfortable right away... one beer and my uncle got a little ugly. MAN, there's a cruel streak in him. He uses his words like a weapon... one minute he's this interesting guy who has travelled everywhere, next minute he's picking arguments. The group itself liked him... the waitress at the restaurant we went to next HATED him. Luckily the group had gone home by then. I really thought we were going to get kicked out when we ordered dinner. Stupid argument about beer (domestic and import) and how it should be priced - really, it's not the poor girl's fault she's just saying what her boss told her to say. But, just like I always did with my X, I maneuvered the conversation with my words, defused the situation, and he settled down - after apologizing to me that the waitress was going to spit in our food...
He plans to come back to visit again... I would love having him again as well, but next time, I'm gonna be more prepared for his visit. And he plans to camp out in the forest so people encounters will be more limited.
And once again, I learned something about MYSELF in this experience... I found out where my cynical side comes from, how my words can be construed... I too have used my words as weapons and now I know where that came from. It explained alot today... and I'm glad I changed and am not like that so much anymore (only when I need it) - I'd rather be clueless and happy than worldly and bitter. And BTW, during the after hike beers, I've been invited for overnight backpacking in the Big Horn Mountains in the next summer or two with several of the meetup people... and I think I'm gonna give it a try!
LATER!
Replies
Well, found out why he was so anti-social.... found several empty 6 packs of ale in his room after he left. Apparently he\'d been drinking the entire time he was here. Once again, I wonder what the hell... am I always gonna be surrounded by alcoholics? Maybe living alone IS the way I want to live the rest of my life... because I sure enjoyed having my house back to myself after he left. LATER!
Wow!! So sorry for the disillusionment that must make you feel.
I too had an experience last week that makes me question whether it is worth getting involved with another man. My experience is that they seem to have a really hard time being honest, even though they keep on saying that is what they want in life.
Ugh!!
(hugs)
Good for you being a better person and even welcoming him back. I have never been able to deal well with alcoholics. You sound like you are so healthy and happy. I\'m glad for you.
Ugh. I really am increasingly becoming prejudice against alcoholics. Glad you got your home and life back!!
Wow...sounds like you handled your uncle very well. He seems to be a very difficult person and you managed to make everything work out. Good for you. You mentioned how you can use your words as weapons but that you have gotten that to the point where you use it when needed. Actually, I think that is a good quality to have. Soemtimes things just need to be said..and speaking from someone who does not stand up for ones self...I am proud of you. I also want to thank you again for all of your wonderful advice and support. You truly are a help to me and thank you.