The Journey Inward

The other day I read this quote: “You’re not asking too much, you’re just asking the wrong person” and had an epiphany. I have always known at my core that I am simultaneously not enough and too much. The “too much” comes from being the youngest by far in a family of intellectuals, never feeling like I was able to keep up and hold my own. When I had immature reactions (as befitting a child), I was perceived as dramatic and over-the-top. Bratty, frivolous, high maintenance. As I grew older, this “label” persisted. I thought too much, behaved too differently, was too sensitive, too serious, too intense.

Recently, I’d begun to let that idea go, preferring to say that it is not my job to silence or suppress my “too much;” it is the responsibility of the person I’m with to let me know how my actions are in conflict with their needs. But after reading this quote, I now wonder if maybe when I feel that way, I’m just not sharing with the right person.

I’m not needy, I have needs. And when I’m with a healthy, caring person, those requests will be met with respect, discourse and ultimately, responsiveness.