Brock, a seasoned salesman, was telling me about a car he almost purchased many years ago. He was ready to sign but when the dealer wouldn’t acquiesce to the desired terms, Brock stood up and walked out. He knew that in order to be successful in any negotiation, you have to be willing to walk away.
As he finished his story, I thought about the times in my life when I was willing to walk away:
The first (and second and third) dates with men I was curious about but not invested in.
The job interviews and possibilities when I already had something paying the bills.
A blog submission to an outside site when they had already picked up at least one post.
The books from the library or the free movies on TV that failed to maintain my interest.
In every case, I was more relaxed and curious than anxious or upset that someone or something failed to meet expectations because I was willing to walk away. When we perceive that we need something, we often neglect our own values and boundaries in order to gain or keep it.
Sometimes the best mindset you can maintain is one of a willingness to walk away.
Great post. So very true. I it’s funny you know when you should do it, but do you do it? I catch myself there these days. Thanks for the great post.
Yes. I wish I would have read this before a third date this past summer. I wasn’t willing to walk away. I set aside what I knew was true and right for me because I wasn’t willing to walk away. I compromised myself. And then he walked away. Thank you, Lisa.
Reblogged this on Ramblings of a single dad and commented:
This is a very true post.
Reblogged this on A Wandering Jewess and commented:
I wish I would have had this a few months ago…when I wasn’t willing to walk away from a man. There were all sorts of red flags. I knew he had an unkind tongue. He said things that took my breath away. Not in a good way. Things like “What’s up with the Jews?” (Knowing I am Jewish.) And “I’m not into fat chicks.” (Knowing I had been overweight…and so had he.) His communications via text and phone were erratic at best. But just like Lisa writes here, I (unconsciously) believed I needed something he had to give, and in the process I leap-frogged right over my own boundaries. It now seems terribly obvious, and somehow harshly poetic, that because I wasn’t willing to walk away, he was. And did.
However, I recently did walk away from a different situation. There was no great betrayal. No terrible harm. In fact, there was no real “there there.” I just knew in my bones I was no longer available to and for the possibility being offered. Or as my Divorce Buddy once said, “That was a limited time offer, and sadly, the offer has expired.”
Simple language. Difficult lesson. But I am learning.
This is so true. I am finally at a point w here I am able to walk away if I know someone isnt right for me. In fact, I feel myself growing quite detached. I don’t know if thats a good thing or a bad thing. It’s probably a kind of protective mechanism.
Happy thanksgiving to you!
You’re right that it can also go too far into fear of attachment. As with everything, balance:)
Happy Thanksgiving to you too!