In Your Face!

In Your Face!

By Allen Merritt ©2018

Yesterday was one of those days when I had to make a phone call and address a serious issue. Yowsa! 

Gearing up for something like that can not only be  tense but cumbersome. That’s because you want to communicate clearly and respectfully, especially in regard to sensitive material, at least that’s the way I feel about it.

Anyway, I dialed the phone and put it out there and said my peace. While it was a good conversation and much needed, afterward I felt exhausted. The energy to face your truth and/or address what appears to be a difficult situation can zap you.

Now, it occurred to me how easy it is these days to have things thrown up in your face or have to confront and handle situations that are right there in front of you whether that be literally or figuratively and whether you like it or not.

This led me to think of the expression “In your face!”

I have heard it used in reference to someone commenting after one upping or winning at something. Often times, it is used aggressively and with vulgarity, which is not always good. Other times it is used in a high-spirited sportsmanship kind of way, sort of locker room humor. Ultimately, its chest puffed up and confrontational.

Anyway, this turn of phrase also speaks to negativity which is right there in front of you and unavoidable. You must see it. You have to address it. You tolerate it. You fight back appropriately. This stuff is right there in your face!

Then there’s the response to “In your face!” which is “Get out of my grill!”

All sorts of responses and/or reactions culminate when a person gets in your face.

Generally, folks don’t like others to be all up in their business, so to speak. Leave me alone. Don’t bother me. Get out of my face. It’s none of your business.

The negative permeates our environment more and more each day. Bad things are happening everywhere you turn. It’s broadcast on social media, television, and print or in person. And many people are supporting such a negative culture.

How do you keep your positive composure in light on all this stuff if it’s right there “in your face?”

Do we build walls and shut people out? Do we become emotionally disconnected? Do we walk away? Do we stop communicating? Do we act out? Do we react like were peacocks and ready for the cock fight? Do we all become happy hermits?

The bad stuff is there. There is no denying it. But so is the good stuff. To me, it’s how you see it and/or how you address it and turn it around for the good. It may take more than a hot minute to turn things around, but it is better than allowing things to continue to stew and boil.

I think the “In your face” mentality generally doesn’t really serve any healthy purpose and I believe this is exactly what we are experiencing especially since the change over in government.

Some people just operate without a filter, fly off the handle, and say whatever they’re going to say without thinking about it despite the consequences or damages. “This is how I am. If you don’t like it, then I invite you to leave.”

I believe this approach foregoes all accountability and responsibility and demonstrates a pattern of behavior congruent to poor self-esteem and cognitive abilities toward reason.

I guess if we have to handle this “In Your Face” confrontational approach, we should do so with a sense of good manners and prudence. Think before we respond. Consider better approaches and solutions.

In the spirit of conflict resolution, take a step back and reassess. Take a cold hard look at the situation. Find out what is really going on and be gentle yet firm in approach. Then it won’t be so “In Your Face.”

Moreover, more flies are attracted to the honey, aren't they?

I just read a quote by Dr. Jill Taylor which sums it all up, "Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space." 

Keep pursuing the best of the best in positive outcomes.

Enjoy living life on a positive note.

Cheers!