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Re: Fun stuff to psychoanalyze... (is that one word?)
Posted By: Sam, on host 209.6.136.158
Date: Wednesday, November 10, 1999, at 05:26:06
In Reply To: Re: Fun stuff to psychoanalyze... (is that one word?) posted by Darien on Tuesday, November 9, 1999, at 19:33:50:

> Is there any way to resolve this situation that is not *technically* a felony?

Sounds like you two are having a lot of fun. How about this? Give her the URL of the first post in this thread -- send it to her in an email, along with the seemingly innocent question, "Do you think you can help with this?"

Nah, probably a bad idea -- too impersonal. I'll go with my initial thought, which would be a simple confrontation. "Sit down and talk about it" kind of thing. Maybe without Darien around, to spare her potential embarrassment that she might manifest with aggression or denial or some other unproductive emotion. Just tell her that what she's doing is destructive and that you'd like to talk with her about whatever the problem is so that you two can work out a constructive relationship. Word it in a way that suits you, but I think the idea of this last part is the most important: that immediately indicates to her that you're (1) not out to berate her for her actions, and (2) interested in being friends with her. For all I know, the fear that you're *not* interested in being friends with her anymore is the reason she's upset.

But explain to her in no uncertain terms that Darien makes you happy and that it is hurtful to you when she says things about him. As long as you approach her rationally, diplomatically, and sincerely, it would be difficult for her not to oblige.

It would help to know what her motivation for all this is. I've got two guesses: one, she thinks Darien is a geek, you're too good for him, and she has a naturally meddling personality that would like to "make things right." Two, almost the opposite: she's jealous.

Knowing which (or if it's another reason entirely) would certainly help determine what the best way to approach her is, but I think the basic principles are the same, no matter what. Assuming you two were friends, or at least friendly, before, this *should* be something you can resolve via open discussion, assuming she is the least bit rational or compassionate at all.

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