Monday, November 17, 2008

Quirk number two: I am compelled to expose all of my flaws to the world


I am disorganized and messy. I ruin most of the food I attempt to make. The television is my most trusted babysitter. I am a hairy monster. Liquids frequently spill out around my mouth when I try to drink them. My wingspan is longer than my height. I feel completely content with sitting on my butt and surfing the web during my child's naps. I eat more than my husband. I have never completed anything to the best of my ability...

These are a just a few of the embarrassing truths I often admit to the people around me. I know divulging this personal information may damage my reputation a bit, but I can't help myself. My girlfriend calls me a chronic "oversharer."

I have thought about why I do this and have come up with a few answers. My first, and easiest to explain, is that I tell people about all my frailties early so they don't find out about them for themselves later on. I know, weird. I guess it's my way of controlling the situation. Like if I invite people over for dinner and I add a little, "Well, I'm not the best cook," in the pre-dinner conversation somewhere, then my guests' expectations will be low and they won't feel terribly awful later on when they spit the food out in their napkins as I turn my back. If I warn a camping partner that I tend to unconsciously blow my bad breath in the faces of those sleeping around me, then they are pleasantly surprised in the morning if I didn't wake them up with my stink-blow (that's what Ryan calls it) during the night.

My second reason for constantly spilling my guts is that, for me, there is something so therapeutic about letting people know me inside and out. It's almost like an emotional release. I wasn't always so honest and (to be honest) I have spent most of my life trying to make myself appear perfect. Don't get me wrong, I still frantically clean before people come over to my apartment; I just don't expect those guests to believe that my house is always like that. I still read Martha Stewart in hopes that I will rise up in domestic perfection one day; I just want you all to know that no craft I have ever completed has turned out like I thought it would.

I probably overdo it on the full disclosure thing, but you all know me better now because of it.
I finally realized that I can admit that I cry about everything or that I only make my bed 50 percent of the time, and people will still like me despite these things. And I like myself now, too.

15 comments:

Karissa Kay said...

i love it! and i'd be surprised if i made my bed 20% of the time. Seriously...what's the point?

Kipp and Ashlee said...

You do a good job of hiding your flaws, then , because I don't see these. And I've always left your home with my belly as happy as a clam from your good cooking.

Rachael said...

I found you while blog surfing one day. You are hilarious!
Thanks. :)

Lincoln and Alisia said...

Ummm. You are not a hairy monster.

And being open also makes others feel comfortable around you. I think that is why I like you so much.

Suzy Tranter said...

I love that the previous comment is from my ole co-worker Ali...so glad you guys are friends! I just loved your post because that isn't just true to you, I think that is true to every woman!

Unknown said...

Merg Face! You forgot to include your number one flaw: That you forget all the wonderful things about yourself!

You are WAY braver than I am... even though my bedroom is messy right now I could never admit that online... oops?

Katy said...

Megan I just love you!! You are so sweet. I've tried to convince everyone that I'm perfect for far too long and it feels good to realize that people will love you regardless. I think the hard part is learning to not be so hard on ourselves.

Valerie said...

Sometimes I feel like I do the same thing. I love this new blog of yours. You're writing is very creative and I find you quite entertaining. Can't wait to play this week!

Julie said...

I never said chronic oversharer I said you have a propensity to overshare, then again you may not have been talking about me. PS this list could also be titled " the many reasons people love "M"

Rachel said...

I think I did say oversharer, but I am too, and I like being in good company!!

Love the post.

Outnumbered said...

i love all those things and it makes me miss hanging out with you!!!

the rutledge's- said...

Meg- I love this new blog. You really are a very good writer. Hope you guys are doing good.

shamers said...

stink-blow! HA!

Melissa said...

wow you're funny, I'm loving this second blog of yours! I love your oversharing. It's so entertaining.

Nan said...

Thanks for sharing. I just learned that your tv doesn't come on at all until Ethan goes to bed at 8:30pm. I feel much better about myself knowing your quirks!