8
"What about before I know they are enemies?" asked Youth.
"Tell them as much truth as needed to determine whether they are friends or enemies, but no more."
"This will help me with my anxiety?"
"Knowing how to deal with enemies should - yes. Don't you agree? We said fear of enemies may be one of the roots of your anxiety."
"What if I still want to talk to them after I know they are my enemies?"
"Talk to them ironically?"
"Yes."
"Well, what if?"
"You don't think it's bad?"
"I do it. Many people do it every single day."
"What if I want to talk to them more than they want to talk to me?
"Then I think you need to break away from them, Youth, as soon as you can."
Youth nodded, considered something for a moment, then said: "And if they want to talk to me more than I want to talk to them? Do I need to break that off right away, too?"
Director looked at Youth closely. "You'd be pleased that you found someone who wants to talk to you that much, even though it is an enemy?"
Youth took in a deep breath. "Yes, to tell you the truth - yes I would."
"Ah, my poor friend! You're that starved, are you?"
Youth nodded sullenly.
"But I wonder..." said Director.
"What?"
"We've said your anxiety may stem from being too sensitive about politeness, from being afraid of enemies, and from being afraid that you want to talk to people more than they want to talk to you. What could be a better tonic for you, better therapy, than to learn to talk to enemies who want to talk to you more than you want to talk to them, while throwing in a little impoliteness here and there?"
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Nick Pappas, pappasnick.typepad.com
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