It’s A George Thing
A well-used book in my therapy/playroom library is a beautifully illustrated book entitled ‘’It’s a George thing”. The story is about 3 friends who are completely different and enjoy playing different games. Three of the four are clear about what they like and the unspoken rule is that the person whose house it is decides on the game. The fourth character goes along with what the others want, until one day they discover what their passion is. The others are taken by surprise and don’t quite get the activity but they decide “it’s a George thing”
Since acquiring this book sometime BC (before Covid) I have used this story repeatedly with clients of all ages. It is a universal lesson to take people’s behavior towards us as a reflection of WHO THEY ARE and not get in a tizz because we think how they treat us is reflection of how they see us. The vast majority of people are living their lives based on their own script, woundedness, temperament, current stressors and life experience.
Over time I have realized that when messages go unanswered, or I get barked at for no reason, or let down at the 11th hour or disrespected it’s not about how the other sees me. It is a reflection of who the other is. Of course, social relationships are a lot more complex than this and having this insight does not give anyone a passport to walk all over me. However, as the English idiom goes “when someone shows you who they are, believe them”. If we can master the understanding that ‘’it’s a George thing” we will spare ourselves a lot of hurt, followed by a calculated decision of where to next in this relationship. This little tool has made a huge difference to the amount of energy I invest feeling sad and hurt. I can let go of the need to understand and simply exhale and say ‘’it’s a him thing!”
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Disclaimer:
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns regarding your mental or physical health, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
