I wanted to comment that I had your post (and voice) in my head this evening while on a business trip. Everyone arrived, we were all eating pizza and having fun. The conversation started going into some complaining and I thought - perfect time to leave!
Everything I left was light and fun, and I didn't feel yucky afterward for participating in some gossip, especially late at night where it'd feel so good to let off steam.
This applies to small kids too...leave the park/party/museum/outing when they are in good moods and having fun BEFORE they get hangry and melt down. I'm guilty of this myself, trying to squeeze the last bit of fun from an event, but my husband is good at recognizing the signs and getting us out of there while everyone is still having fun! Leaving with a little left "undone" also helps everyone be excited for the next opportunity.
I wish I had read this years ago. I stayed on longer because I thought I was needed. I was, but it was not good for me. I came to thinking I was a martyr and ruined much of the good, but not so much as could have been ruined.
I wanted to comment that I had your post (and voice) in my head this evening while on a business trip. Everyone arrived, we were all eating pizza and having fun. The conversation started going into some complaining and I thought - perfect time to leave!
Everything I left was light and fun, and I didn't feel yucky afterward for participating in some gossip, especially late at night where it'd feel so good to let off steam.
Looking forward to practicing this again!
Omigosh! So important. So many times I've "stayed too long at the fair" when leaving would've been so healthy. i.e., terrible first marriage.
This applies to small kids too...leave the park/party/museum/outing when they are in good moods and having fun BEFORE they get hangry and melt down. I'm guilty of this myself, trying to squeeze the last bit of fun from an event, but my husband is good at recognizing the signs and getting us out of there while everyone is still having fun! Leaving with a little left "undone" also helps everyone be excited for the next opportunity.
I wish I had read this years ago. I stayed on longer because I thought I was needed. I was, but it was not good for me. I came to thinking I was a martyr and ruined much of the good, but not so much as could have been ruined.