“5 REASONS I CHOOSE NOT TO TAKE THE BAITS” in LIFE IN THE TIMES OF CORONA: The Real-Life Twilight Zone

Wait a minute. What does this mean? Why do I start with this whole ‘taking the baits’ thing? Am I a fish or something?

Of course, in this case, taking bait can mean a lot of things. It can mean someone trying to make fun of me, just to expect my reaction. It can also mean a salesperson offering some products I don’t need and they’re kind of pushy.

It could also be about a guy with lame pickup lines. It could be someone who hates my guts and tries to get me to argue with them – just to see how far I can really go.

Either way, none of them are worth it. I have many reasons, but here are five (5) examples of why I choose not to take the baits:

1. I’m busy … and I’m in a hurry.

Yes, we all know the joy of keeping ourselves busy. It gives us a sense of purpose in life. It makes us feel (hopefully more) useful.

It’s also a perfect escape from unnecessary drama. For example: if I see an unpleasant acquaintance approaching me to gossip about someone they dislike, I can simply say: “Sorry, not right now. I’m busy.”

Uh, did I say ‘not right now? I mean ‘never’, but of course, they don’t know that. Even if they do, they usually don’t care. They usually wait for more chances to deliver more ill news your way.

2. I know you’re just so bored with your life that you decide to bug me.

No, I’m not implying that you must have such a pathetic, little life. I’m only saying that if you really lead a happy life, then you won’t even think about doing this to anybody.

However, if you use boredom as an excuse to make others feel as miserable as you are now, then it’s just your personal bitterness.

3. I’m clearly the wrong person you ask to be responsible for your unhappiness.

Sorry not sorry, nobody’s perfect. I’m not making excuses here; that fact includes me. I still try my best, but I do have my moments. When that happens, I usually don’t have enough patience. I’m the wrong person you ask to be responsible for your own unhappiness. I may have other problems too that I don’t want you to know, so that’s why I (tend to) get quieter than usual.

Believe me, I know how it feels when people expect you to be strong all the time for them. Those people don’t always ask how you’re really doing. Most of the time, they don’t want to. They either don’t really care or are just afraid of the truth. Take your pick.

With that note above, I’m sorry for not always being the most sympathetic. I still get tired too, okay? Especially if you obviously know the solution(s) to your problem(s), yet you still choose to complain to get (my) attention anyway.

It’s okay to think I’m rude, but here’s the thing:

Sometimes, some people need tough love to force them back on their feet!

4. I know you just want to know how far I can really go in an argument.

This is nothing new. Some people just hate your guts that they somehow find you a challenging target in a battle of wits. I know how even the so-called, ‘free speech’ supporters simply hate you for speaking up your truths, not just your minds.

“So you think (insert issue here) is (insert adjective here), huh? Go on, I wanna know just how much you think you know about it and why you think so.”

Sounds familiar? I used to take such baits all too easily that I ended up exhausting myself. Nowadays, I can read the signs better.

If it’s obvious from the very start that the other person disagrees with me and just wants to shut me up and makes me tell them I’m wrong and that they’re right, then I won’t take the bait. I never like arguing if it’s only to show who’s right and who’s wrong, who’s smarter, and who’s more stupid. It’s all about feeding one’s fragile yet somehow bloated ego.

Sorry not sorry, I’m way too busy for that. Why don’t you go punch the wall until your knuckles bleed or something? You can’t force me to change my mind, not even if it’s only to make you feel good about yourself.

From now on, I’m only open to discussions about how to make things better.

5. I’m just not interested in whatever you’re trying to sell me.

Please, take me seriously when I say ‘no, thank you after your first offer. Once you push, please stop. The second you try, please don’t ask me why.

The third time you persist, I’ll just remind you for one last time. After that, don’t be surprised if I choose to ignore you. My first reason is that I’m really not interested and there’s no way you can change my mind.

The second reason is that I’m tired of explaining this to you again … and again. Third, I no longer wish to respond to those who disrespect me. How and why? I don’t want to waste my time, energy, and attention on people who won’t take my ‘no’ seriously.

So, here are my five (5) reasons I choose not to take the baits. Call me rude or cold. Go ahead, because I no longer care.

I deserve my personal space and peace of mind.

R.