Driving down the road there are road signs everywhere. You watch for deer when the sign tells you to. You slow down a little because a sign indicated you were approaching a railroad crossing. Signs letting you know you’re in a construction zone raise a red flag because you know traffic fines are doubled for infractions in the construction zone. The road signs are there to make travelling safe for you and others, so you obey them. You’re very smart to do so.
Why then, does all that “smart” disappear on the road that is your life? Why do you ignore the road signs posted along the way? Turn around and look at the wreckage you’ve left behind you!
It’s the 4th time he’s stood you up. Not even a courtesy call. But at 1:00 AM the door bell rings. ‘He had to help a friend with something’, he says. The alcohol on his breath suggests the friend needed help getting rid of some. You’re fuming and start right into him. “I didn’t come here for this shit!” he proclaims, and heads for the door. You attempt to placate him by apologizing. You’re apologizing because he showed up wanting an itch scratched after having stood you up again. You’re apologizing to him for not treating you with respect. You’re apologizing. Road signs: Stop; Wrong Way; No Turns
Your rent is $900 a month; a mortgage. You’d really like to own your own home. You and he have been living together for 5 years. Every time the two of you get a little money saved he wants to spend it on something; the oversized TV, video games, the escalade you can’t afford to fill. When you talk about a buying a house he calls you “boogee”. Tells you “you’re never satisfied. Nagging him about bullshit all the time.” “He’s right!”, you convince yourself. So you’ve stopped talking about it. Road signs: Two-Lane Traffic; Road Closed
It was Valentine’s Day. You bought him a small gift and planned a romantic evening. Flowers? Please! He didn’t even get you a cheap card. You’re angry, but he’s giving you the silent treatment. Your punishment for being angry with him. It never seems to matter what you want, only what he wants you to have. You try to be happy with him. But the truth is you’re miserable, psychologically abused, and afraid to recognize you’re a victim. So you keep your mouth shut, and your head down. Road signs: One Way; Divided Highway; Lane Reduction Ahead; Stop Here On Red
The signs along the road that is your life are there for the same reason the signs are on the road you drive your car on every day. When are you going to stop ignoring them?
Road sign: CROSS ROAD
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