Do you ever wonder why you are so insanely bothered by someone’s actions or behaviors? Do you catch yourself being a “hater?”
Exhibit A: I love Ina Garten AKA Barefoot Contessa. Her recipes are exquisite and her flair for the culinary arts is ravishingly inspirational. On her Food Network cooking show, there are many episodes where you get to meet her husband, Jeffrey. Often, Ina will mention, “how excited” she is for Jeffrey to return home so she can present him with her latest tantalizing meal. She just can’t wait for him to enjoy the (most likely) 4000 calories of love she has prepared for him. He will be so pleased. He absolutely loves it when she makes her…(insert name of any decadent recipe here).
HOW ANNOYING I would think. Why was I so bothered by her over-the-top love and devotion to pleasing Jeffrey? I was a hater.
I took a counseling course in Acupuncture school where we learned to be good “therapist-like” listeners for our patients. One lesson was called “you spot it, you got it.” It is the idea that when something about another person drives you bonkers, it is usually because you have a similar element in yourself.
In the case of innocent Barefoot Contessa, I was angry because I was Ina deep inside! I was made to dote on a Jeffrey! I wanted a Jeffrey! I wanted someone who I “just couldn’t wait to get home and eat my latest kitchen concoction.” Now I make “Chris’ Chocolate Love Cake.” Gag. Yes, I have a Jeffrey. Don’t hate Jeffery. Be an Ina and get a Jeffery.
P.S. Are you hating on me for getting a maid?
Rebecca says
P.S. Yes. I am getting a cook!
Christina Warren says
…and a gardener?