Wow, Bonny. I do think from the stories you've shared lately that it's well past time you start saying no more often. I'm so sorry that so many seem to want to take advantage of your sincere compassion and generosity.

This, many times.

Ya know. I'm a believer in signs. Or, at least, patterns.

I realize I've told some pretty pathetic stories over the last couple of years.

And they all add up to what you said, Pix. I'm becoming friends with the word 'no'.

Somehow, I'd fancied myself a person of good boundaries.

You all have my permission to laugh sarcastically.

Right. [dusting hands]

I am striving to do this without rancor, but I am making some declarations to the people around me.

When I go to return the cat key tomorrow, and smonster you better believe I'm going to _ask_ to be paid, I am taking a card for the pet sitting service and giving it to the owner for all their future needs.

I'm going to wait to see if the former friend comes up with any help for my medical bills. Then, I'm going to ask her not to call me anymore and make clear that I will not be calling her.

My landlord, who today said that he could not get anyone to look at my toilet until Tuesday, is getting a call from the city next week to inquire about the complaint I lodged today.

By the way, I made a great deal of noise and actually threw things after the aforementioned conversation. Miraculously, a plumber showed up at my door 20 minutes later.

I don't want to be the screamy, hateful type, but I am not sure what else to do just yet.

Love and warm hugs to them as need 'em.

Blah. Just back from a not great first date. Not an asshole, just not for me. But I'm so bad at awkward moments that I asked if he wanted to hang out again. Durp. ::facepalm::

Dating is sometimes exhausting and depressing.

Good for you, bonny. Firm and polite, you can do it.

Aw, Honey.

The truth is, even if he comes back around, you don't have to hang out again. Minds change. Schedules fall out of sinc.

Life happens.

I'm sorry it wasn't a good date.

bonny, good for you!

Somehow, I'd fancied myself a person of good boundaries.

I think your boundaries would have been fine, if you had been dealing with other people who also had good boundaries and were not prone to lying and taking advantage.

I think your boundaries would have been fine, if you had been dealing with other people who also had good boundaries and were not prone to lying and taking advantage.

That is the question of the day, though.

How IS IT that I am so incredibly successful at finding those people?

In thinking back on the 5...count them, FIVE...friendships I have jettisoned in the last few years, every single one of them had the same theme. Shocking insensitivity and advantage taking.

Am I a magnet, or are there more of 'them' than I want to think?

My bff thinks I live in an entitled neighborhood where snobby people are bastards. But, this is the same neighborhood where total strangers have looked out for me, or been supportive in loving and surprising ways, so her theory is hard to prove.

Zenkitty is wise.

Bonny, you are such a wonderful, thoughtful, warm person. I hate that these people are not seeing what they are losing by being entitled assholes.

I bought a new laptop today. I've spent the evening playing with Windows 8 and the touchscreen. But this is my first "new computer" post. Wheeeeeeeeeeee.

assholes are incredibly adept and finding people they can take advantage of.

incredibly adept. that is their superpower.