“Het irriteert me mateloos dat hij ieder halfuur moet roepen dat hij hooggevoelig en hoogbegaafd is,” zegt ze terwijl ze me aankijkt alsof ik net een ongepast voorstel geopperd heb. Met haar armen strak over elkaar leunt ze dramatisch naar … Read More
Author Archives: jobsmulderscom
“Darn irritating: he doesn’t listen, just fills it in immediately!”
Photo credit: @ospanali “If he would just listen for a moment and let me finish speaking, I wouldn’t have to ask the same question three times.” “I feel like he often doesn’t really listen, already projecting, and as a result, … Read More
“Get out of my space!!!”
“Dad, get out! I’ve got the kitchen this afternoon!!!”
I step into the kitchen through the back door, startled by her intensity and the mess in the kitchen. There’s flour everywhere, half-empty cups, dirty bowls, empty packages, and water on the floor.
The stress is palpable—my daughter is baking muffins for a party and has a tight deadline.
Driving home, I realize I forgot my water bottle. I’m getting thirstier by the minute, but I know I’m almost there. A bit more delay, a dry mouth and lips, and a slight headache creeping in. I turn onto our street, looking forward to making myself a big cup of tea.
Photo credit Popowski
But the promise of my long-awaited thirst-quencher vanishes in an instant. I’m about to explode and snap at my daughter with an irritated remark.
Then, it clicks, and I take a deep breath.
I say nothing and take another breath in and out as I watch my daughter with admiration: How wonderful! She’s claiming her space and making delicious things.
In response, I see my daughter relax and smile… and then we both start laughing.
There was a time when these ‘little things’ would deeply affect me, and I would quickly be triggered with irritation or anger. That created distance between me and my family.
But now, I can laugh about it.
How about you? What small things used to or still do irritate you?