Much as I so super loved John Mayer's No Such Thing, this is no way related or linked to that song. However, I will be having that song looped in my ear just for kicks.

One time, a bouncy colleague peeped in my cubicle to remind me we were leaving in thirty minutes and to get ready. She was already holding her badminton racket. It was that time when one of our officemates was giving us training for badminton. Those pro bono trainings helped big time. Our games turned from comic awkward to comic stunning games.

Anyway, I was having my nose stuck on the monitor for resolving some issue. I replied, "I know. But I got stuffs to do. Hopefully, I get it done in time."

She giggled at my reply. And said, "What 'stuffs', Pichi? There is no such thing as 'stuffs'. It is just 'stuff'! ". Shaking her head amused and still giggling, she pulled up a chair beside me.

I would have protested at her "no such thing yada yada" since a lot of times, I swear I've used it and it felt right using it.

I looked at her and considered my response, dug deep from what I know and realized after her explaining, "shocks she is right." And wondered how many times I have used 'stuffs' and how many have heard me say it.

On ordinary days, I probably will have a knee-jerk reaction of telling her I say it as I say it. But I know she meant well. From then on I consciously re-trained my brain with the use of "stuff". It still slips some time as you know, we have that habit of getting the easiest application of putting "s" in words to make it plural even when they no longer need it. "Stuff" being one. Hehe.

It is just one sample scenario of getting called out for. Or getting corrected.

...do visit 'em beautiful people

She is just one of the frank friends I have that I appreciate when I hit some of their pet peeves and they react. Hahah. My dad, this friend, another friend and another friend, they do not hesitate in correcting me. It is with love, though.

Their stand, "I'd rather call your attention now than let you look and sound foolish around other people."

In a snowflake generation it may sound harsh but I think taking things in proper perspective in getting corrected and called out for, is key to getting better. Some corrections sting,yes, but I think we have to consider from who and where it is coming from.

Extending to real life ..

Find and keep friends who love you enough to correct you rather than encourage you with things you do wrong. Of course, you'd feel more loved with the latter than the previous. But the previous have your best interest. And I'd go for that for a little up in my game.

That statement got stuck with me after a real talk with one of the youth in our church. The one who said it was a good colleague bringing to light a clearer perspective on the verse:

The wounds of a friend are trustworthy, but the kisses of an enemy are excessive.

Proverbs 27:6 HCSB

https://bible.com/bible/72/pro.27.6.HCSB

I have benefited a lot from friends who love me enough to correct me rather than let me continue being wrong. It was not easy at first. No one loves the sting of getting corrected.

But some stings last only for a while and it changes you for the better if processed right

I noted friends who corrected me with my conversations with them. And that friend who taught me about "stuff", I know is one of my friends I can take an honest criticism from. She is one of the friends I sent out some of my writeups here. And her honesty is always welcome.

She is one example of a friend who'd rather be honest now than lead me on with false praise just to make me feel comfortable. It may be minute or small thing that can be overlooked but as they say, "can't call out the small things? how can you call out bigger life and death situations?"

Ever had a friend out of nowhere corrected you? What was your reaction? Or how well did you take it? Is she still your friend? Hahaha

I think another question is...

Do you like or want to be corrected? Sometimes I do, most times I don't depending on my mood.

Because you know, sometimes, constructive criticisms don't only come from people we have solid relationships with.

Sometimes random peeps they just swing by, and sting you ...

©️ Pichi28

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