Be excited for others
If you have ever told me anything exciting, you may have not received the best response. I probably questioned what you said, wasn't excited for you. I would assume I listened to what you said, then thought of a reason that it's not exciting. I suck at this... but I'm improving.
When someone is excited about something, I should be excited too! Sadly, it can be difficult for me. Lets say you are getting a cat. You're very excited about this cat and you tell me, "I'm getting a cat". My first thought, "what the heck is wrong with you?". I dislike cats, I don't understand why anyone owns any cat other than siamese. I don't personally get it. Because of personal bias, I respond with a less than excited response.
Almost anytime I'm told something exciting, my first response is not going to be excitement. Granted, Ohio State winning a football game is always believable and exciting, but most things in the world aren't initially exciting. I have to process it and choose excitement or no excitement. This is just what's natural to me.
When you share your exciting news, hours, or sometimes days pass- and then it suddenly hits me. I'm excited you got a cat. I see you soon and say, "so excited for your new cat". After it processes in my head for a while, I finally realize that I actually am excited for you. I'm excited that you got a cat, I don't have to wish I got one myself. I then wish I was initially excited for you.
Being excited for other people seems so fake sometimes. I want to make fun of the cat, not be excited. But, I've learned that I really am excited for you... just not in the moment. Forcing myself to be initially excited really makes me be more excited for you, and later I'm so glad I was excited for you because I eventually realize that I am excited!
So... why write this post? If you have a hard time getting excited for other people, just be excited. Get over yourself. I'm working on it, and when I do get over myself and am excited for others, I don't regret it.
Recently got a cat? Or happy Michigan won? Awesome! I'm happy for you!
