I definitely see the “I’m at capacity” message for non-family (or equivalent) relationships. But even with family I have occasionally had to pull that card. Especially when physical limitations have hit me hard and it’s not obvious from looking at me. (A sciatica bout when the only comfortable position was lying on my stomach comes to mind.)
When I really think about, I think it comes down to wording. I say things like "that's more than I can manage" all the time, so maybe it's just semantics! Or something about the general culture rather than specifics.
I liked this post a lot, Lindsey. It made me think of church ("Love always looks like something") and also of my favorite Gretchen Rubin quote, which I am pretty sure fits the definition of dialetheism: "Be full of desire, and easy to please."
Ah, so so true, “That the good stuff always happens at the intersection of two seemingly incompatible things.” I always think I need to get away to some desolate island alone in order to make art, to write, but the truth is that my best work always happened in that “intersection”, as “the third thing”.
Oh I love this reminder of what that idea has to do with writing/art-making. I have those exact same thoughts all the time. And I do think solitude can be good for seasons... but then what on earth would I write about? ;)
I absolutely love how you think. I have also been exploring this idea of the dance, the titration, this mutually correcting dynamic between opposites, and it’s so reassuring and refreshing to find likeminded people such as yourself.
I definitely see the “I’m at capacity” message for non-family (or equivalent) relationships. But even with family I have occasionally had to pull that card. Especially when physical limitations have hit me hard and it’s not obvious from looking at me. (A sciatica bout when the only comfortable position was lying on my stomach comes to mind.)
When I really think about, I think it comes down to wording. I say things like "that's more than I can manage" all the time, so maybe it's just semantics! Or something about the general culture rather than specifics.
I liked this post a lot, Lindsey. It made me think of church ("Love always looks like something") and also of my favorite Gretchen Rubin quote, which I am pretty sure fits the definition of dialetheism: "Be full of desire, and easy to please."
Always love your quote additions.
Ah, so so true, “That the good stuff always happens at the intersection of two seemingly incompatible things.” I always think I need to get away to some desolate island alone in order to make art, to write, but the truth is that my best work always happened in that “intersection”, as “the third thing”.
Oh I love this reminder of what that idea has to do with writing/art-making. I have those exact same thoughts all the time. And I do think solitude can be good for seasons... but then what on earth would I write about? ;)
Yes, it’s all about the dance, isn’t it? Not either or.
I absolutely love how you think. I have also been exploring this idea of the dance, the titration, this mutually correcting dynamic between opposites, and it’s so reassuring and refreshing to find likeminded people such as yourself.