OnTheBrink Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 Well, I'd made a determination to get to know him (in an appropriate way) and see if we can find some sort of common ground. I surmised that he had either never really met a "freaky fundie home schooler" or had and was not treated well by them. Until today, our paths hadn't crossed much, but when they had, he'd skedaddle from me pretty quickly. I overheard him one day talking about watching Glee. I started making small talk with him about the show (I watch it, too) and other tv shows, etc. Nothing major or deep, just casual conversation that was friendly. Tonight, he was working on the same project I was, and was in the next cubicle. I could hear he was having problems based on the heavy sighs and the sounds of papers being shuffled. So, I poked my head around the cubicle wall and asked if he was doing ok. He admitted he was not and asked for some help. We chatted a bit and next thing I know, he's showing me pictures of his banged-up car and telling me about his recent run-in with a deer. The evening progressed pleasantly and at the end of my shift, it occurred to me that he had no ride home. So, I offered him a ride, he accepted happily and I drove him home, which wasn't far from the office, anyway (no one should walk home at 11pm, no matter where they live). I feel like we're turning a corner! I don't care if he never approves of home schooling, but if he has some negative stereotype in his noggin about what homeschoolers are like, I'd like to at least offer an alternative example of that. And, I honestly don't even think homeschooling was the issue. I think he connected that with "freaky fundies" who would judge him because he's gay. So, hopefully by finding some common ground and being kind to him, he'll realize we all ain't so bad! LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Natalieclare Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 :thumbup1: Yay! You'll show him! I love blasting people's preconceived notions. Sidenote: I'm convinced the show Glee was written by someone who was in my high school jazz choir. The coincidences are absolutely spooky(particularly the pilot). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 We need more people like you, then less people would think of Christian homeschoolers as crazy, deranged, narrow-minded individuals. Go for it! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IsabelC Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 Good on you! I'm sure he will be glad to learn that 'weird fundy homeschoolers' are not necessarily judgmental or hostile to those who are different to them. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
newbie Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 Keep spreadin the love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LisaKinVA Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 Congratulations! Sounds like you're making progress breaking down barriers! BTW, many of my dh's friends homeschool now...after saying for years they would never do that. It's been fun to watch them change over the years from being radically opposed, to pleasantly neutral, to advocates. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karenciavo Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 Peace, love, and understanding is always a good thing I think :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: You're awesome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sheryl Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 Well, I'd made a determination to get to know him (in an appropriate way) and see if we can find some sort of common ground. I surmised that he had either never really met a "freaky fundie home schooler" or had and was not treated well by them. Until today, our paths hadn't crossed much, but when they had, he'd skedaddle from me pretty quickly. I overheard him one day talking about watching Glee. I started making small talk with him about the show (I watch it, too) and other tv shows, etc. Nothing major or deep, just casual conversation that was friendly. Tonight, he was working on the same project I was, and was in the next cubicle. I could hear he was having problems based on the heavy sighs and the sounds of papers being shuffled. So, I poked my head around the cubicle wall and asked if he was doing ok. He admitted he was not and asked for some help. We chatted a bit and next thing I know, he's showing me pictures of his banged-up car and telling me about his recent run-in with a deer. The evening progressed pleasantly and at the end of my shift, it occurred to me that he had no ride home. So, I offered him a ride, he accepted happily and I drove him home, which wasn't far from the office, anyway (no one should walk home at 11pm, no matter where they live). I feel like we're turning a corner! I don't care if he never approves of home schooling, but if he has some negative stereotype in his noggin about what homeschoolers are like, I'd like to at least offer an alternative example of that. And, I honestly don't even think homeschooling was the issue. I think he connected that with "freaky fundies" who would judge him because he's gay. So, hopefully by finding some common ground and being kind to him, he'll realize we all ain't so bad! LOL Oh, that's good news! God works in the smaller details in a day as well as on larger issues. Your compassionion will hopefully serve as witness to him! PTL!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gooblink Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 Bravo! It took the friendship of someone like you to turn me around many years ago. :) Hang in there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 That's great! Keep softening him! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbie in OR Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 :hurray: Slow and steady wins the race (or something like that)...good for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ohdanigirl Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 :party: Sounds like you are doing a great job. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BikeBookBread Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 Very nicely done, Michelle! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spradlin02 Posted May 7, 2010 Share Posted May 7, 2010 no one should walk home at 11pm, no matter where they live Ahhh, to live in a place I or my wife can walk home after 11pm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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