Toes

Counterfeit love; the harmony of a bitter orchestra out of tune… What are we to do? There is a line to be drawn somewhere, right? Commit your thought to this analogy. (Please, entertain my thoughts and choice of tapestry for lingo) You and I are standing in line to buy a “Coney Island” at the Pier where Big Bang is swingin’ away. I’m dressed in my attire complete with Red lipstick and wedged heels. You are there with your slacks and a vest that compliments the paten leather kicks you are sportin’. As slick as we look there standing and snappin’ to the tune, you step on your friend’s toes. It’s not a big deal the first time not even the second time. He says “Oh, my apologies! Are you alright?” she retorts “Oh, it was an accident, please. It’s fine.” And he says “It won’t happen again, I’m so sorry.” She smiles and then they turn away from each other. The second time comes around the corner a little harder, and this time she begins to move over a bit. “Ouch!” she exclaims, and he turns red, grabs his hat in a fit of “Oh the stupidity!” and says, “Please, forgive me…I’m a klutz.” She assures him that she is all quite well, but this time she backs away a smidge. He says again, “I will be more careful.”

She nods her head in response. Then she turns, standing in the pain of her tiny toes. She backs away this time quietly but only enough to avoid the encounter again. He is again snappin’ to the music and acting a little more relaxed. When, wouldn’t you know it? He marches right over her toes again. At the pain’s peak she is fed up. His response the same way as the last times, but she has a new response. “Stop stepping on my toes!” she raises her eyebrows. She then relocates herself to the back of the long line to avoid losing her toes. She watches at the back of the line as he carelessly and impetuously discards wisdom in the choice of his actions; once again. She heard his apologies and believed him without second thoughts upon the first time. The second time she questioned his sincerity but forgave the offense. The third time he had proved to be careless and not concerned enough to be sure it did not happen again. So she left him down-hearted to place herself out of harm’s way.
(Apologies…that was not the best analogy, however, “stop stepping on my toes!” is the line I want to expound upon. So keep it in mind whilst I continue.) Most people have many groups of friends. The first group has to be the largest because it is the acquaintances of people that can range from one side of the state to the other (or beyond). You are not very close to them but you know their face and name. The second group is the friend’s that surround you. These guys and gals are the ones you play games with at the arcade and hang out at the movie theater with. The last slot is solely for those or the one that you consider best friends. Your comrade(s), amigo(s), partner(s) in crime and most trusted companion(s). At some point these friends will annoy you, no matter how close you are. The buttons that are not to be pushed and the nerves that are not to be danced upon, they will dance on. It’s inevitable in the truest sense of the word. Because we are all humans and bound to mess up. In a healthy relationship one learns from mistakes and takes actions to make sure that those mistakes do not happen again. It’s simple. When you love someone you will pay attention to them and be careful to know them, so that you may more efficiently assist them as their friend.

When you say you love somebody you must be prepared with louder actions to accompany your declaration of love. Amour, yes, yes. And with perfect reason I say this. Actions illustrate the love that marks your friendship’s closeness or ability to stay united. There is an equal amount of effort that both people have to coherently apply themselves to. In the event that either of the persons take more than they put out the relationship dwindles. The half that is taking more than enough is happy and content. The other half in a perfectly natural reaction suffers. Just like someone standing beside you, stepping on your toes and saying they are remorseful to have treaded upon your precious toes. But they in action turn to their old ways and do nothing to prevent it from happening again. You know the old saying “actions speak louder than words” and it is true.

I am aware that people make mistakes, believe you me. But a point will come when that person stepping on your toes will not be close enough to you to step on them again. Know your true friends; the friends who will watch where they step cautiously in hopes to avoid any pain to you friend. And be a good friend. Know their boundaries as well as your own. As for now I plea “stop stepping on my toes!” Because, my friend, there is only time and time will tell her story. However this story you may not find yourslef in.