Just How It Is

I hear a lot of people say things like, "This is just how I am, I tell it like it is." Or "I am just a nosy person." Or "I am just outgoing like that and am not afraid of confrontation." 

It wasn't until a conversation I had recently with Betsy* that I realized I have my own "This is just how I am" kind of moment.

The conversation consisted of where a mutual friend had recently moved, which was just outside Chicago.

Betsy was saying that she lived in a certain town and it was on the Iowa side, for that Betsy was CERTAIN. And I responded, "Not if they are close to Chicago."

The argument went back and forth and Betsy kept saying, "Why do you always have to disagree with me?"

Finally, I said I would look it up to prove it.

Which I did.

They live a stones throw from Wisconsin, not Iowa since they are over an hour north of Chicago.

And then Betsy said, "See, you just have to be like that, never believing me, always having to prove me wrong."

"But if I believed you, we would both be wrong."

Insert me laughing.

Anyway.

After the conversation I realized, This Is How I Am. I don't set out to prove people wrong in every conversation. No, really, I don't. But, if I am certain of something I am not the type of person to just go along for the passive ride, agreeing simply to avoid a further conversation. (Hello, that's dull.)

And not unlike the many people out there who claim they are boisterous and that is "just how they are." Or the people who "tell it like it is" because they must be openly honest at all turns. Or the people who don't shy away from a confrontation with a salesperson or waitress because speaking out is "just how they are."

For me, if I feel something isn't right I am going to speak up. Maybe not in EVERY situation because sometimes it isn't worth delving into it all but most of the time I can't help myself - it's just how I am, I guess.