What happens when drama arrives in an unexpected environment? If you are drama-averse, what is the appropriate response? Fear not, I won’t go into the sordid details but simply remain in the scope of generalities. Don’t get me wrong, I like a little drama — call it the spice in the soup. But when drama becomes the soup then I’m not interested. Why? Because I don’t do drama.
Imagine, if you will, participation in a relaxing activity. Doesn’t really matter what activity, just know it is your place of enjoyment, fun and relaxation. A place where friends gather to laugh, poke harmless fun, and group for a task. It could be a team sport (i.e., basketball), an outdoor activity (i.e., rope climbing), or an indoor event (i.e., gaming). Regardless of the venue, it is your place away from the everyday annoyances of life.
Now suppose your place of relaxation has that “one guy.” The guy who on the surface seems just fine but when the chips are down or the situation becomes just slightly bumpy, then that “one guy” begins acting in an unusual way. He begins seeing problems where none existed before. He begins to take personal offense at imagined slights where no slight was intended. But worst of all, he doesn’t try to resolve his complaint with you or others in the group — instead, he leaves the group in an overt fashion then makes statements about rank unfairness. He convinces other members of the group of your injustice and the very fabric of this carefully constructed social gathering begins to fray. Finally, he turns an accusation upon you, suggesting you bend the rules to provide an advantage to others in your group. And all of this from absolutely … nothing.
Yeah, that guy.
Imagine if you or others in your group try to take the high road, try to suggest a dialogue to air concerns in an effort to repair the damage. Those requests are met with a promises of a future conversation but time passes and that conversation never happens. And in a final blow, that guy claims he’s over it and doesn’t want to talk anymore.
But the damage has been done.
The social group is splintered and the accusation of compromised ethics sticks in your throat like a swallowed toothpick going down sideways. And despite your efforts to ensure everyone was treated fairly, that everyone’s needs were considered, the accusation of unfairness remains like a stain on your favorite shirt. What do you do then?
Nothing — because you don’t do drama either.