Everyone is an expert

As people may or may not know two dramatic things have happened this year. Land mark kind of things. And as pair usually go we have One Happy One Sad...

And because of these two events I have come to a conclusion (several in fact but I'm only covering one here.)

So the first landmark is that I started a new job and with it has come this whole entire gang of new people to meet and get to know.

Second landmark (the sad one)is that I have just come out of a long term relationship. no big story to tell (because most people are aware of most parts of it anyway) but as is expected the hurt still ebbs and flows from day to day.

So part of getting know a whole bunch of new people is the whole tell your story in a minute conversation that happens when you're waiting for a meeting to start or waiting for a plane or sharing a ride or having lunch at the same table or when it's quiet and boring in the office.

And once you get past the Where did you study and Where do you stay and How are you enjoying working and the Family related pleasantaries there always pops up a moment where I have to explain that I am single and just out of a relationship (not to be confused with having to explain that you're not single but your special person lives over 6000km away....)

And While you talk about work and university and family and your home people listen or look bored or nod encouragingly but when it comes to the recent heartbreak everyone seems to have a story.

And I'm not sure if it is a sign of the times or just part of living the first 20 to 40 years of your life but everyone has an old wound of love to carry around. A husband who ran away An unfaithful wife A missing parent A mean boyfriend A skanky ex-girlfriend

And everyone wants to list their hurts for you and Everyone wants to give advice - sometimes useful sometimes silly sometimes the kind of advice I would do the exact opposite from!

And let's not forget how everyone always finishes off before leaving or turning to actaul work with a "If you need to talk ill be here for you" Which roughly translates as "Please spew your pain for me I would really like to watch"

Charming really.