1. Don't ever address me by name. "Don't do that" is acceptable. "Don't do that, Joe" just bugs me. It just drives me nuts, it's as if that person is trying to be condescending.
2. Don't be overdramatic. Especially if you're doing it to get attention. Don't take over the situation and act like you have the most horrid life in the world.
3. Don't put yourself down excessively and exaggeratedly. That's only irritating. See number two.
4. Don't disappear for a while and act like you're suddenly my best friend in the world. Don't pick and choose when you want to care.
5. Don't act like you're alright when something's happening and be real indignant about it when you're referring to it.
So I would say #1 applies most to Russ, #2 could apply to a number of people, #3 applies to Carl, #4 applies to Nej, and #5 applies to Dave. Now, the first four are things that I have resolved in my own mind. The fifth, however, is something that bothers me. Today I was informed that Dave was quitting the Shadowrun campaign because of Russ, Adam, and me. Russ, because he told him "that magic removed the need for finesse", and myself and Adam for making fun of him.
What the hell?
You know, when Adam and I were sitting there taking shots at Dave, he was taking it pretty well. He wasn't saying "Quit it", he wasn't acting all sad. He was absolutely fine, from time to time would let out an embarrassed laugh. As far as I was concerned, he was mature enough to be able to laugh at himself.
Well, Dave, way to take the easy way out. Don't bother trying to speak up or even, god forbid, work out your differences. Bang up job in making the rash decision.
For a while, I'd thought that it was me. I was being too critical of my friends, and for that reason I was losing them.
No, mainly it's when those 'friends' don't realize that they've done something dumb. You know, I lost Heather after that day she was an asshole and I yelled at her. I lost Nej the day she felt she had the right to complain about others toward me rather vocally and I walked away. I fear that one day, I'll lose someone closer to me and will be strong enough to walk away.
I like to think I'm right, and that's why I have the friends I do. I know how to approach my actions objectively and how to apologize when needed, or how to explain when I have to. If everyone had that skill, the world would be very happy.