Gus is not only one of the the crazies, he is our leader.
For my part I use it when someone is telling me their problems, as a disclaimer. I don't know what the F I'm talking about on any subject so it's really a "well-I'll-tell-you-what-I-think-but-what-the-hell-do-I-know-anyways" statement.
Having been born and raised in Ireland I had heard the word "shrink" on TV before but never knew of one or knew anyone who went to one. When I arrived in America and discovered that every second person I met during my first year, talked openly about their shrink and how many times, sessions, therapy work they had, my first thought was "don't you have any friends you can talk to?" See I was used to going to the pub with my friends (in Ireland) and pissing and moaning about all my problems, which would be debated, ridiculed and then finally solved by all at the end of the evening (plus the fact that everyone now knew all my problems and I knew all of theirs). All my family and friends are good talkers. We would talk a subject to death, until we were so sick of it that we put it away. I think we are all squirrelly in the head to some extent but some people are better at handling minor and major issues than others. There are very few people who should really need to see a professional counselor (in my opinion) but it has become normal, a part of any regular persons lifestyle, to visit a shrink, head-doctor, counselor, therapist, whatever, so that they can talk through things and ?'feel' better.
I've never been to a shrink but then I generally don't bottle things up. If I have issues I am (rightly or wrongly) likely to say right then and there. If my boss is being an ass, I'll say "you're being an ass". If my bf tells me I'm gaining weight, I'll tell him I will use his toothbrush to clean the toilet in retaliation. If my mother is calling me too much, I'll tell her to back off for a week or two. I know I am blunt and not everyone cares for that. I am so blunt it can sound downright rude, but then that is the way my personality has developed. If people detest me because of it, I think that's hilarious. If they like me because of it, then that is super. If, at times, it gets to be annoying to someone then I expect them to tell me and I'll consciously try to watch myself.
There are real situations where just talking it out with friends just is not enough but I do wonder what good comes out of sitting in front of stranger and them asking you to spill your guts and then push the issue back to you with "how does that make you feel?" I am not an expert on the subject so I'll have to assume (or hope) that therapy does work for most people. Sure is a lot of money being made off it.
A2K is good therapy at times. We might not like everything we hear but at least it's interesting to hear the varied opinions.
Things I want to know about the US (but was afraid to ask!)
The Cowboys cheerleaders got rid of that "V" in the front of their shorts years ago. Damn shame too.
Well, that's fashion for you! :wink:
(?I don't understand.. because this is posted?)
I'm not sure what you are asking. Nothing wrong with your post - in fact I like it.
Welcome to A2K!
