Respect for life. Respect for things. Respect for self. This is how I was raised and at the ripe old age of forty-four, I am sure I am stating the obvious when I say respect for anything is majorly lacking today.
Lack of respect manifests itself many ways however recently I was introduced to a form of disrespect that was totally new to me. I call it… ‘The Fallon’.
Yes, to those of you who are on top of your Netflix Dynasty shows and those who are more familiar with the 1980s drama, I am inspired by the character Fallon. For those unfamiliar with this character, we are talking about a person who intentionally manipulates situations to benefit their own needs. A person who firmly believes that anything goes so long as they get what they come out on top.
The person that invites themselves over to dinner all the time because they are ‘poor’ yet are putting that money aside to purchase the latest model vehicle of their choice. The person that ‘needs help’ because their health is failing only to hear of them mountain bike riding whilst you’re cleaning their house and making meals. The person who asks to borrow money to get them through to their next pay day and then shows off their new $300 tattoo. The Fallon. I am sure you can add to this list.
To date, my world hasn’t involved many of these people. Recently, however, after reconnecting with old friends – rather excitedly mind you – I was astounded as to the emotional damage these people do. I can’t help but understand why so many are happy to just stay in their homes and connect via electronic devices as opposed to deliver the old school respect of physically helping others – dropping of a meal, washing their car, mowing the lawn, walking the dog and the like.
I am not going to focus too much on The Fallon people of the world – they would argue that they know what they want, and they are not afraid to get it. Imbeciles! Rather I write to those who have a Fallon in their lives or seek to expel one out of their life. You know you who they are. Egotistic, obsessed with self without any evidence that we (or the world’s view) matter.
I can only speak for myself when I say that my recent ‘new’ experience with The Fallon left me unravelled. I was angry, hurt, exhausted yet at the same time felt guilty, confused, obliged to do more. This is part of the Fallon game. How else can they manipulate you to do more at your own cost whilst they do less and increase gains?
So here are my conclusions on the matter, for what it is worth. If you feel like this, you are in The Fallon Trap and you must get out. How? Walk away. Learn to use the word No. People who put themselves first are rarely satisfied. Pity them but don’t help them. When it comes to their getting what they want, anything goes. If they can’t get what they want from you, they will move on – eventually. Keep a healthy attitude about yourself. I found it quite entertaining to see how many ways I could say that I was ‘disinclined to acquiesce their request’ (aka ‘no’), afterall …..
….. Anything goes.