The Bottom (689 hits)
Category: Quotes & StoriesRating: 1.22 on 10 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Banga3386 <tanzia682.at.aol.com> (View user info) at 2005-03-06 04:03:28 EST
The bottom
You know you've hit the bottom when you can't feel anything but that. You remember what you are supposed to feel at certain times and you try to act accordingly. But the audience only sees either a jerk or someone who doesn't care. The truth of the matter is both: you are a jerk because you are only acting and you really don't feel what you should be, and you don't care about the situation. What you do care about is why you can't enjoy the situation.
People put on a show so often not so much to show themselves in a better light but to give those around them the reactions and behavior that they expect; just as they do to you. Despite the obvious clues given; be it behavior, dialogue, or body language, everyone in the situation behaves in the manner they should.
Take if you will, this scenario: A waitress who is raising 1-2 kids on her own, dealing with a dead/beat father, family issues, physical pain, or emotional pain caused by any other factor, is still light, cheery, and even flirtatious to the patron who is behaving in a happy, cool, or complacent manner despite his torture with his own depression, sadness, and pain. Deep down inside, both parties can see a glimpse of what is really going on. Still the knee-jerk façade goes up.
"Hi, how are you?" greeting given, not actually asking.
"I'm ok/alright." The normal response is "Great, I'll have a Bud." But the deeper feelings are too much to put such a bold faced lie upon. Instead a subtle hint is given unexpectedly, but still a lie. What he really meant to say is "Horrifying, I'm (back) in the lowest point of my life and wish to drown it with booze." But the façade must be maintained, also she never really asked in the first place.
"Alright great, what can I get ya?" (He's really down and I know there's a story behind it but I have 13 tables, I've worked a double, and my rent is due.) Up stays the smile from both sides.
"Tall Jack and Coke please." (Please talk to me, I don't want you to solve my problems but even a facetious connection can help me escape for a few moments. Also since I'm ordering call drinks, she'll want to be around more.)
While she's gone he looks around and sees the same faces, all are familiar, some he recognizes, and others he doesn't but can tell. They all know him too.
"Here you go sir." (It's ok; I've been/am there now. I know what you feel like.)
"Thank you Madame, how are you doing?" (I've she's honest, which she won't be, I can have an honest conversation with someone)
"I'm wonderful," (you don't want to know but I want to tell you) "let me know if you need anything." (I know what you need)
"Alright." (We know what we both need)
And with a smile, they disconnect. They both have the same type of conversations with servers, bartenders, managers, patrons, fellow employees, friends, bystanders, and other lonely, depressed, soldiers all though the evening. This goes on every hour of every day, each party knowing the truth behind everything; although no one will be absolutely truthful. That would bring down the walls that 200 people in the bar have been taught to, and have been working hard for years on, come crashing down to the floor.
But that as we all know doesn't make for a good night out with friends.
"How was your weekend Bill?" "It was incredible, I went out for a beer, dropped all my inhibitions, fears, social stigmas, lies, and regrets in the big pile outside with everyone else's and had the most amazing experience of my entire life."
User Reviews
Submitted by Perzik (user info) at 2005-03-09 21:40:55 EST (#)
Ranking: -2
I can understand how you feel, but as you say everyone feels it. Anyway, look on the brighter side, stop whining and learn the path to enightenment through BUDDHISM.
Submitted by d_prime (user info) at 2005-03-09 21:29:26 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Chinaski (user info) at 2005-03-09 13:22:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
You've hit the bottom when my 30 minute power point presentation and 15 page paper are due tomorrow and I haven't started. *Yawn* *Gulps Adderall*
Submitted by RideJohnnyRide (user info) at 2005-03-06 19:50:45 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by Dead_0hi0_Sky (user info) at 2005-03-06 10:29:01 EST (#)
Ranking: 0
im feeling rather charitable, so i award this post a 0.
carry on.
Submitted by Jay_Bassman (user info) at 2005-03-06 10:06:07 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm going through some pretty fucked up stuff on my life at the moment, and I work as a service cashier. So this post really rings true for me. Masterpiece.
Submitted by Wallstreet (user info) at 2005-03-06 05:09:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by williamson (user info) at 2005-03-05 05:40:19 (#)
Ranking: -1
No man can be this drunk and still make that pic and still post.
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horseshit i did
Submitted by MrWillard (user info) at 2005-03-06 04:56:31 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I can relate
Submitted by Wallstreet (user info) at 2005-03-06 04:25:05 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
a fucking masterpiece
Submitted by darko (user info) at 2005-03-06 04:21:41 EST (#)
Ranking: 1
this was somewhat deep, but it didn't really say anything.