Jami Can Do Without These People

No, not a specific list of names of people that I wouldn't miss if they suddenly ceased to exist, but the types of people that make my life less pleasant. I only bring this up because I was thinking about some of these people-types and how we all sometimes have some of these personality problems, but some folks live their lives in these modes (purposely or not). These aren't the horrid people you avoid at all costs, just the annoying ones that you will find no matter what. The Deflater: At first, I thought deflaters were just sort of story-toppers (you know, the ones who always have a story that's better, funnier, scarier, whatever, than yours) who were also pessimists, but I've started to see that this is a whole new category. The deflater is the person who always has to take the wind out of your sails (hence the name). They might do it by topping your story, "Oh, you got a promotion? I got a promotion that includes a company car and my own secretary" or they might just poke holes in what you're happy about: "You got a promotion? Gee, that's going to mean a lot more work and hours. Of course if you mess up, it'll be more noticeable after you got promoted and all" Deflaters might call themselves "realists" but honestly, they're just sucking your wind to puff their own sails a little. The Happy Martyr: My first experience with an HM was in high school. One friend always put herself waaaaay out for someone, some cause, some group, whatever, to collect the accolades that go with it. "Oh, Sarah forgot her homework, and she's failing and all you know, so I walked back to the high school and broke into her locker and got the homework and did it, turned it in. Sure it took me 16 hours, but I love to do things for others, you know?" I'm all for helping, charity, whatever, but you do it, and that's that. If you spend all your time talking about how busy/exhausted/etc. you are and then always mention that you are just thrilled to do it, even though it meant you didn't eat for 3 days, you're missing the boat. The One Topic Talker: There are times this is forgivable - first pregnancy/new baby, two weeks before/after a wedding (yours, or a close relative's, NOT just any wedding), or any major life changing event. If it's not one of those things, then read some books, get cable TV, watch the news, ANYTHING you have to do to acquire a new topic to talk about. Yes, I'm sure you had a great time at Whatever University twenty-five years ago, but I've heard all your move in, move out, roommate, class schedule and drunken frat party stories and really, it's enough. Don't you hate these people when they can take whatever the conversation is and steer it back to their pet subject? "Yes, this wine is excellent and it reminds me of a funny thing that happened when I was working on the car I'm restoring . . ." NO!! We talked about your *)*#% car for an hour and half, say the word "car" again and I'm going to stick your carburetor where the headlights don't shine. That's my little rant for today.