I’m a neurotic mess.
This is not going to be coming as massive news to anyone who’s held a conversation with me which lasted more than 5 minutes. Therefore, my mind is always awash with various ideas and thoughts (usually self-deprecating).
However, this week my mind has been more clouded than usual.
This is not just due to my growing disappointment in humanity as more and more political decisions are showing a growing tendency towards an “Us vs Them” insular way of thinking. It is also down to my own personal situations and where I see my life going in the near future.
I’m currently living my life in what is described as the “grey area”. For those perhaps unaware, the “grey area” means something that is not clearly defined; or “that which is uncertain.”
Don’t get me wrong, sometimes grey areas are fantastic …exciting, even.
Let’s take relationships is an example…
At the start of a new relationship, the “grey areas” are the adrenaline rush which makes this period so bloody exciting! You don’t know your new partner that well; they are new, their decisions are unpredictable.
Perhaps you don’t even know where you stand with your new partner?! Are you “together” … or just “seeing how it goes” …or maybe even, “casual” (we all know what that means).
Can you imagine a world where we started every new relationship without these grey areas? A world where you presented a relationship CV perhaps…
BLAIR STEVENSON
PROS
- Successful track record of monogamous relationships
- Experienced conversationalist
- Reasonably self-aware
CONS
- Neurotic
- Not comfortable displaying/discussing emotions
- Will probably write about you…
How backwards would this be for everyone to deal with?
Maybe you would even have to sign a contract;
“Do you accept the full terms and conditions of dealing with *ENTER NAME*:________”
This sounds horrific, especially when you consider how people change and develop over time. We would all be in breach of contract very quickly!
The issues with “grey areas” and relationships come with the length of time it has existed. As the “grey” grows old, it tends be become one-sided. One person dictates the pace of the relationship while the other gets dragged along behind the horse; unsure of quite what’s happening, but hoping for the best.
This is how people ended up getting hurt.
(Quick Tip; If you are unsure of your current relationship situation, ask your partner to go to a show that is a few months away … the response you receive should tell you everything you need to know!)
However, these “grey areas” can permeate other aspects of your life too.
- Your social circle (“is this guy my friend or just a work-acquaintance?”)
- Your family (“I think my sister might actually be my mum…”)
- Your job (“I’m not sure whether to take this contract with Silence Ltd.”)
…the list is endless.
However, a strong ability to deal with these “grey areas” can be a fantastic positive for your career trajectory. It has been proven time and time again that the ability to work under the pressure of uncertainty; the ability to take risks, is a fast-track towards a promotion!
How do you deal with “grey areas”? Are you dealing with any just now?
I currently believe that I am living with TOO many.
Note to self – be more decisive, state your intentions more clearly, learn from your mistakes.
Gallus Lad 