Writing Exercise 30: Write about the ending of something.

The Runner, the Avoider, and the Reflector

There are a few ways people respond to the ending of something.  Some people run, some people avoid, and others reflect.  All three types of people can be annoying and frustrating.  Knowing who they are can help you better deal with them, and manage your own suffering, knowing it is not about you.

The people who run from the ending of something can be seen gathering their stuff and standing up in a theater at the end of a movie, just before the credits roll.  They are the ones who are in the aisles making a dash towards the exit before the last frame of the film.  You can never spot them leaving a party as they are the first ones to leave without even saying goodbye.  If you happen to be dating one, you might be lucky enough get a text from them when they decide to break up with you. 

And then there are the avoiders.  These people will watch the film all the way through to the end.  They will attempt to read every name listed on the credits rolling up the screen and then sit in the empty theatre for a moment after the film.  They may have to be ushered out by the staff wanting to clean up the space.  You can easily spot them at a party as they are the ones who will say goodbye for over an hour, and then remain to help tidy up, wash and dry the dishes, and be surprised that everyone else has left.  If you are unlucky, they are the exes that will attempt to keep hanging out with you long after you have broken up.  They might show up to your place of work, hang out space, or home.

And finally, there are the reflectors.  These people will want to go to the diner after the film and review the movie frame by frame, talk about the themes of the film, and then relate it to all human experiences.  In addition, after they see a film, they will read reviews online and then send them to you with their review of the review.  You can easily spot them at a party as they are the ones who talk about the party as if they were a sports commentator and they usually are encouraging people to hang out at an after party, so they can talk more honestly about the party without the hosts present.  If you are unlucky, they might post a vlog or blog about you after you have broken up with them, detailing both your faults and positive qualities.  They may even send you an email a few years later after they have had time to sift through the rubble of your relationship.

Hopefully, after reading this, you are better prepared to spot the three types of ways people deal with endings.  However, if you have read this far, you can discount yourself as the first one.  If you are more like the second one, you can read my other posts on this blog or follow my other blog www.thoughtsfromafeminist.blogspot.com.  And if you happen to be a reflector, please do post a comment below or send me an email.

Note: This was a 30 day writing exercise which has now come to a close.   

Thank you for reading.

James Young