Entry #26: Are You A Petty Person?

Yes, I am talking to you! LOL. Let’s find out if you are a petty person. The Webster’s Dictionary defines petty when using it in how you behave as, “something that is small, minor, or of little importance. In the context of behavior, petty behavior is characterized by actions that are often disproportionate to the issue at hand, such as reacting strongly to trivial matters or engaging in small-scale conflicts over minor grievances. This behavior can manifest as disproportionate responses, deliberate intent, and a focus on tiny issues that may provoke a person’s ego or pride.” 

So, are you petty according to the definition, or are you of the mind that engaging with people who are deliberately causing you harm are just not worth interacting with to prove your point? This one is a hard one to admit. As I say to my husband, “I don’t need to win this fight. Over and out!” He is known for saying, “Do you really want to die on this hill?” Both reactions go along with the idea that being right is highly overrated. 

This past week our family suddenly lost a family member, and it made me think about the dumb stuff that we so intensely focus on that doesn’t truly matter. My husband leaves his socks on the floor every single day right next to the hamper. It drives me nuts! I used to get so annoyed, but after losing our family member, it made me think. My husband is my primary caregiver and protector in helping me manage my bipolar disorder. If my husband suddenly passed, I would wish so much to see his socks on the floor. I could put them on a plate and give them to him for breakfast to prove my point (which would be very petty of me), or I could be grateful for all the things he does to keep me healthy, shut my mouth and just pick up the socks. I hope that my story has helped you to have a new perspective on how you behave in your day-to-day life. 

I want to challenge you to evaluate where you are being petty in your life because in the end, you’re not hurting anyone but you. It’s a lot less energy to just let things go. See you next month!

 

Stephanie Preston creates powerful, humorous videos on managing bipolar disorder symptoms. She is a Social Service Worker, Health Care Aide and suffers from severe bipolar depression herself. She is the proud wife of St. Thomas Mayor Joe Preston, loves being a grandma and is Crossfit obsessed. Follow her at www.tiktok.com/@bipolaronthebrain and www.facebook.com/bipolaronthebrain.