Working Up

by Dwayne Phillips

Too often, some of us take on the role of caretaker of everyone around us, i.e., we try to e everyone’s dad. Such is folly.

Sometimes, people are struggling at work. No problem. I will step in and H E L P them. I will take care of the problems that seem to be beyond the ability of the other people. They need just a little assist, and I am the guy to provide it.

I am a caring, loving person. I am here to help. Helping those who need help is a good thing.

The previous paragraph holds truth. So what is the problem?

I can identify at least two problems with me being everyone’s dad.

(1) They don’t want me to be their dad.

(2) I’m not very good at it.

Oooops.

(1) Their ego prevents them from realizing they need help and I can provide it. Then again, my ego prevent me from realizing that they don’t want me to help them.

(2) I am good at my profession. My profession is not being a caregiver. Well, if I am good at one thing, I should be good at other things, right? Ahem, well, maybe not.

Let’s go back to the old cliche:

Inflict as much advice as is requested and no more.