tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23560503.post114991571697207857..comments2009-05-18T18:44:22.612-06:00Comments on Spherical Chickens: After Poem Wind-Down, in ProseLiz Busbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08505062751148555335noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23560503.post-1150790733367901822006-06-20T02:05:00.000-06:002006-06-20T02:05:00.000-06:00I wish I had something profound to contribute here...I wish I had something profound to contribute here, but I think I feel the same way, especially concerning relationships. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for the reminder that only complacency results when we think and never try. I've spent a lifetime observing the world around me and the people in it and formulating huge opinions about life and love and everything else--but what's the point if I never push aside my fear and resistance and put them into practice?Katherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17798018093384922192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23560503.post-1149969750529610902006-06-10T14:02:00.000-06:002006-06-10T14:02:00.000-06:00Ironically, my attempt to learn a language simply ...Ironically, my attempt to learn a language simply further confirmed my perfectionistic ways instead of thwarting them. I had five years of Spanish in high school, but still don't speak it. At one point, I could read and write in it very well, and sometimes understand, but speaking just never happened for me. Then, once I passed the AP test, I promptly forgot everything. I still run into that barrier that I don't talk unless I know what to say. Although there are some languages I think it would be fun to learn, I'm not sure I could actually get out and talk.Liz Busbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08505062751148555335noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23560503.post-1149966957027381102006-06-10T13:15:00.000-06:002006-06-10T13:15:00.000-06:00As a male, I am bound to simply give advice in sit...As a male, I am bound to simply give advice in situations such as these...<BR/><BR/>Your last paragraph states:<BR/><BR/>"In order for me to ever find what I seek, I must be willing to "take chances, make mistakes, and get messy." But I am not. I need to find a way to be able to. I could try locking myself off, but clearly that's not something I would do. I try to keep my self at the surface, but as a result I have to be very cautious or I can break. Do break, actually, but we try to keep the damage down."<BR/><BR/>While your post deals mostly with relationship issues, I suppose it also deals with "not trying something until I'm perfect at it" type issues as well.<BR/><BR/>Might I make a suggestion? Learn a foreign language. Sure, it may sound kind of stupid, but it's a skill that requires you to "get dirty" and "make mistakes" and eventually get used to it, as it's part of just getting along. It could be as simple and functional as Spanish or something more exotic, but it did help me get past my own personal feelings of embarassment at times. To be honest, I feel more comfortable when speaking in a foreign language - I can step out of my culture for a moment, and when I use slightly flowerly language or a joke it's 10 times as funnier because a non-native said it.<BR/><BR/>Give it a shot. It's also a great way to meet people... and spend lots of time with them... which isn't my reason for doing it (I'm married, hooray!), but I've made a lot of good friends that way.Not Too Pensivehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07229109326965351197noreply@blogger.com