The camera moved to Jasmine and caught her flash of disappointment, the slap of rejection. Tyler’s stomach flip-flopped in sympathy. He knew exactly how she felt.
Each show I think my embarrassment levels can’t get any higher. Big time mistake! I don’t think I’ll be able to look anyone in the face again. Actually, I’m surprised Nolan picked me after the dramatics I’ve brought to his life. Not that I’m going to apologize for being myself.
If anything, this latest debacle with Nolan’s mother has made me take a good hard look at myself.
I have a great circle of friends, but not so long ago, I almost destroyed that friendship by judging a friend and finding her guilty of breaking a stupid rule. A part of it was jealousy. I wanted what she’d found—a happy relationship.
My love life prior to this show wasn’t inspiring. Try learning that your bridesmaid is having an affair with your fiancé. That was only one blip. I started dating another man months later. The relationship was serious on my side and I was ready to take the next step. Then I discovered he was married, and I was his patsy—an innocent bit on the side for his amusement. Those two relationships warped my thinking, and I held myself and others to high standards. I became judge and jury.
Anyone seeing a theme here?
Mrs. Penrith doesn’t approve of me. That’s fine with me. It would be a boring world if people came with one character setting. But where I have a problem is when she tries to hold me to the standard of behavior that she perceives is correct.
If I’ve learned anything in the last couple of years, it’s that you should treat others as you would have them treat you. The saying about what goes around comes around is a cliché for a reason.
When my high and mighty attitude almost ruined my friendships, I took a good, hard look at myself. I didn’t like what I saw, and I’ve since made a conscious effort to become a better person. Some people might say that my friend let me off lightly. Heck, she did. She accepted my apology and we moved on. I think we’re all closer now because of it, and I know better than to judge anyone.
Individuals are responsible for their own behavior. For all theFarmer Seeks a Wifefans out there who are reading this blog, put yourself in others’ shoes before you react in a manner that might damage a close friendship, a marriage. We all make mistakes. It’s a human trait. It’s how we make amends or try to improve that makes us special.
Love Susan
P.S. Interesting poll results on Mr. Blue. I’m glad you guys are on my side!
This blog entry might come across as preachy, and to some, it might feel as if she was making a dig at Mrs. Penrith. Newsflash. Of course she was, but she was also sincere in what she said. If she hadn’t done a swift turnaround in her attitude, she wouldn’t have the great friendships she had now. She’d acted like a sanctimonious twit back then, and Maggie had been so nice, accepting her apology when Susan had acted the bitch, kicking Maggie in the teeth when she’d been at a low point in her life.
No longer.
She’d changed and no way would she let herself slide into another pair of judgmental shoes. And she wouldn’t put up with people like Mrs. Penrith telling her what to do or how to act.
Someone knocked on her door. “Susan.”
It was Nolan. “Come in.”
“Tyler asked if it were okay for him to take you out tomorrow.” A flicker in his expression snagged her attention, made her look closer. He leaned his weight against the door jamb.
“You don’t want me to go?”
“No, it’s okay. He won a date with you.” He hesitated. “I wanted to make sure it was okay with you. He said he hadn’t asked you yet.”
Susan frowned. “Why wouldn’t it be okay?”
“No reason.” His shoulders lifted in a kind of a half shrug. “I…um…wanted to apologize for my mother. Her behavior toward you has been disrespectful. I should have put a stop to it earlier instead of letting her trample your feelings.”
“Don’t forget the pawing through my belongings part and her bad-mouthing me all over town.”
His brows drew together, his cheeks turning ruddy. “Yes, that too. It’s unforgiveable.”
“Why do you let her carry on that way? She walks over everyone, bossing them around and telling them what to do. She’s horrible to your father.”
“She might try to tell me what to do, but I don’t always listen,” Nolan said. “My dad said he’s moving out. Their marriage has been over for years—for as long as I can remember. I didn’t think he’d ever have the balls to leave.” The last was said with a sense of puzzlement. “He wants to talk to me and to Tyler. He never says more than a few words to Tyler.”
Susan cocked her head, curious despite herself. “Do you know what he wants to talk about?”
“No idea. I guess we’ll find out.” Nolan pushed off the jamb. “Do you like my brother?”
Susan blinked and felt heat steal into her cheeks. “He seems very nice.”Ooh, very prim and proper.
“I haven’t been the brother I should be. I aim to change that.” He left abruptly, disappearing down the passage.
