That One Person You Just Can't Please | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

That One Person You Just Can't Please

I try and prove myself worthy of at least one nice thing that he could say. Instead, I fail every time.

9
That One Person You Just Can't Please
Orlando Espinosa

We've all been there.

We all have that one person whom we can never seem to please. The good news is that many others who will read this article are in the same boat. If you're looking for a step-by-step process describing how to solve the problem, look somewhere else. But if you've come to hear yet another person's rant about that one individual whose expectations can never be fulfilled, you've come to the right place.


Let me begin by stating that the person about whom I'm choosing to write is an influential figure in my life.

I wouldn't be close to where I am without his support and his guidance, but sometimes, as I get older, I've noticed that the advice he chooses to give has a sharper sting than the floating suggestions from others around me.

Unlike this person's choices of wording, others' criticisms land in softer, more pillowy fashions than do the slap-in-the-face comments that he shoots without thinking how hard they might land.

I'll admit, I've never been good at taking criticism. In fact, one could say that I suck at it.

That doesn't alter the fact that someone who shows his love through generous Christmas and birthday presents continues to spout off about any and all of my missteps whenever he's given the chance.

Through his financial success, he's helped provide me with an education and more material security than any college student could need.

But through voiced praise and support, I've received a big goose egg. He pays more attention to his new wife's dog than to his own younger, still impressionable relative.

Have I gone fishing for compliments?

You bet I have, and I do it too much as it is.

I get nothing but chuckles and guffaws at my incompetence or verbal stings regarding what I'm taking too long to get done.

Then, when I try too hard to remedy my latest debacle, I end up knocking over a glass of water or proving once again my inferiority in the presence of someone I only want to please. This someone, along with my grandmother and my godmother in Chicago, are the closest ties to my mother I have left.

At this point, I've almost decided to stop trying.

I feel as if simply breathing in the presence of this significant someone is enough to tap-dance on some nerve, so, through what can sometimes be a poorly-aimed jab or quip of exhaustion, he's driven me away more than he's brought me closer.

In her book Sum It Up, former Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt wrote of her father's never-ending dissatisfaction with whatever she did. Summitt didn't even hear the words "I love you" echo from her father's lips until well into her career as the Lady Vols' head coach.

If I haven't already stated the obvious, let me reiterate that I'm not looking for the mushy praise which I'm spoiled enough to have regularly heaped upon me by numerous relatives who think I do nothing wrong.

But if I could get a "good job" every once in a while instead of being chastised for my latest attempt to please one of my most prominent male role models, that'd be OK, too.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Illistrated image of colorful balloons and fireworks
StableDiffusion

With each new year comes new goals.

Deciding on a goal can be hard, unsure of what to change for this new year. A new goal for myself is to be happier and take care of myself more. I am a very driven person; so driven that I commit to a million and ten things.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Pros And Cons Of Having A Birthday Near The Holidays

The truth of what it is like having a birthday around the holiday season.

3325
Christmas decoration
Flickr

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! But for some people, including myself and my Dad, it can have its ups and downs when it comes to having a birthday near and around the holiday season. I personally share a birthday with my Dad two days before Christmas. Yes, Christmas Eve Eve is our birthday. Here are a few pros and cons for having a birthday near the holidays.

Keep Reading...Show less
Christmas Tree Lights
Pixabay

It is that time of year again. Christmastime. It is one of my favorite seasons for a myriad of reasons. Here are just a few reasons why I love Christmas. This list is in no order of importance.

1. The Christmas decorations

I am that person who will decorate directly after Thanksgiving is over. This year, my roommates and I put the tree up in our apartment before we even left for Thanksgiving break. It is a great stress reliever for me to just sit in my living room and work on the huge amount of work I have before the semester is over.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl with santa hat
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

'Tis the season to be jolly folks, and if you're anything like me, then at the stroke of midnight on Halloween your home went from wicked to winter

Keep Reading...Show less
mistake
Project Eve

Mistakes are something we all make, no matter how old we get. Most of the time, the mistakes we made are little and sometimes due to something out of our control. Yet, there are mistakes that are bigger than others. Personally, I have mistakes that I wish I could go back and undo. Here they are:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments