A "Gone with the Wind"analogy (C)

I have always wondered about the statement “It takes all sorts“, especially since, fundamentally deep down we are all alike. But it does take all sorts to make the world. And this is not an expression of wonderment and awe at the uniqueness and diversity of the human race or the infinite variety of personality we are blessed with, rather a musing about a certain sort of these “all-sorts”

This is about the extremely strong types out there. You know the independent sort, have two or more jobs, single-handedly parent a brood, are awfully competent, creative, assertive “successful”, juggle a lot of stuff , always appear to be emerging winners.. the Scarlett O’Haras of the world.Because that is who they are. Infinitely capable of bearing burdens on their shoulders, male or female it does not matter- they will herd their brood through in the way it seems best to them.And that is where the problem lies. It is always “their” way. It may be the most right way and the only way in certain cases.

But the fact that it is humans they have to deal with does not matter at all. Or maybe it does not because the brood is scarcely as fine an example of a lone human being with a spine of steel as they are. And is therefore inconsequential- except as a burden. Or so it seems.

For, having worked with and seen a few such people, I have come to the conclusion that as much as one may admire them, one constantly struggles to get away from under their yoke. It's funny. They are the softest, sweetest, gentlest, nicest beings, unless you cross them. And then it's Mt Vesuvius- only more destructive. And it is a volcano you wish to avoid.


So you pack your bags and flee. Unless you are of the Melanie Hamilton breed- weak and clingy but possessing of a strength that derives from your frailty- a strength that perhaps makes you more human because you see the insecurity behind the bluster and in a very odd way try to protect that. Only that sometimes it is a little too late for the realization that you mean well.

Or maybe like the feckless Ashleys of the world you find yourself drawn to the flame, mesmerized but wary and remain in a state of fascination. And your weakness is what the strong one likes, because it complements them beautifully- until a real crisis makes them realize how utterly useless you are.

Or like Rhett Butler, even your infinite patience runs out- just when its time for them to turn…..