         Most of us are familiar with the popular show The Office. It’s definitely one of my top favorite shows. I started watching The Office about 9 to 10 years ago. I wanted to see what the hype was all about, and just like most of America I fell in love with it and became a fanatic. It’s definitely my go-to show when I need a good laugh or distraction. Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about a particular scene with Pam and Jim (from Season 2, Episode 21: Conflict Resolution). There were a few lines that stuck out to me the most.
Jim: “Well, what does Roy think about everything?”
Pam: “I don’t know. I try not to bother him about this kind of stuff.”
Jim: “You mean your thoughts and feelings?”
Pam: “Yeah.”
I replay these lines in my head a lot because it reminds me of the way I used to think. I was like Pam in that way. I thought it was totally normal to separate certain things. I thought it was okay that I didn’t feel comfortable sharing certain thoughts and feelings with my significant other, because I had sisters and cousins for that. Most of the time if you’re not comfortable sharing your feelings with your partner it’s because you’ve tried many times before and it didn’t go well. Looking back, I recognize that not feeling comfortable sharing my feelings with my other half was indeed a problem. Everyone should feel like their partner is their safe space. If you can’t be vulnerable around them and share your feelings, then what will life look like with them down the road? You’re going to feel more and more alone as time goes on. In my twenty-something year old brain, I thought this was completely normal and fine to do. Just like how Pam expresses it in the scene, so nonchalantly— like it wasn’t a big deal, that’s how I thought of it. Now I see it so differently, and I wish I had the wisdom I have now.
Are you currently in a relationship? Engaged? Before you get married, you might want to ask yourself a few questions first. When something upsetting happens at work (or when you’re out and about), who do you want to tell first? When you’re excited about something you’re passionate about who do you want to share your excitement with? Who’s the first person that pops into your head when anything major happens? Who’s the first person you call or run to when you’re scared? It’s important to ask yourself these questions now. You might think it’s okay now, but you will notice it more and more after each year passes. You’ll start to feel more alone, and you’ll then realize that the red flag has always been there. Remember, the things you ignore will only magnify. You can’t overlook it or pretend it’s not there. That will never work. Pay attention to that inner voice inside of you and trust it. It could be a warning.
Elle Reyđź“š 