Life as a listening lamp post

@rosdimy (3926)
Malaysia
January 21, 2009 8:16am CST
I am not sure when it began. For some reason, people began to approach me and started treating me as a listening lamp post. They came to me when they were having problems. Leaned on me and whispered out their feelings. Sought solace and symphaty for all their worries. When it was all over, they continued their journey in life and left me alone. Not one realised the effects they had on the listening lamp post. Have you ever been treated like a listening lamp post? Have you treated anyone this way? Or do you have other views or experiences to share? all the best, rosdimy
2 responses
4mymak
@4mymak (1793)
• Malaysia
22 Jan 09
hi rosdi, "listening lamp post" ??... i dont think you should consider yourself as a lamp post.. lamp post got no feelings... but you.. i think people go to you because they trust you and they value your views and advise.. probably they didnt realize that you are affected because you didnt tell them... when i was studying in japan, i had a one 'senior' who everyone treated like this.. the 'big brother' that everyone would go to for anything and everything.. happy thoughts.. problems.. free meal.. (hee.. hee.. hee...) but we luv like a 'real' big brother, and we pamper him too, when we think and feel that he needs it.. well... i think someone like that is important in our life.. someone like you is important.. some may seem 'ungrateful' for your help.. but i am sure most do appreciate you for being there for them... cheers !
1 person likes this
rosdimy
@rosdimy (3926)
• Malaysia
22 Jan 09
When I was in Form One I was given the nickname of 'robot'. If we had been familiar with the word android they could have used this word. Apart from being heavier than I looked I rarely displayed any emotions especially in the classrooms. I am not sure about most of them being appreciative for me being there for them. More like I have to fend for myself. For most of the time yes, I can. But there were times I needed to have someone to talk to, but I was left standing alone in the night. Whatever, I am from an angle grateful for the experience. I think it has made me a better listening lamp post. Thank you for your response. all the best, rosdimy
savak03
@savak03 (6684)
• United States
22 Jan 09
I have frequently been used as a listening lamp post as you say. What's amazing is that the person who leans on me time after time has absolutely no patience to listen to me when I need a listening ear.
1 person likes this
rosdimy
@rosdimy (3926)
• Malaysia
22 Jan 09
It is a sad thing when that happens, as if you are like a lamp post with no feelings. May I surmise that at times you are under a lot of pressure, having to listen to the outpourings of other people, and trying t deal with your personal problems? Impatient people like the one you mentioned are many. Maybe they think that their problems are more important than ours. Maybe they think we can solve our problems on our own. Maybe we have been fated to lend an ear to those who need one. Thank you for the response. all the best, rosdimy