SoulSearch_CO Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 I wasn't really sure where to put this question, but I wanted to put it out there to the masses because it's got to be one of the strangest things I've ever heard from somebody. I was having a discussion with a male friend of mine about life in general. I asked him the question, "How do you react to and deal with failure?" We have in-depth discussions, so questions like this are pretty common, and he usually gives it a good bit of thought and comes back with great answers. His response in this case, however, completely puzzled me. He said, "Hasn't happened, so I don't know." WTF? Who goes their ENTIRE life and never fails at ANYTHING? I called BS and called him arrogant (we also have a sarcastic/joking relationship, so it was a playful jab) and he says, "It isn't arrogant to be good." Again, WTF? He is intelligent, great career, fantastic kids, divorced. After I called BS on him, he said that his marriage was the only one he could think of. He excelled in school and is amazing at his job. But what is everybody else's take on this? The guy lives in la-la land and really believes this? It does sound terribly arrogant to say that one has "never" failed. I can't quit thinking WTF. LOL I'd like to hear anyone else's thoughts on this.
TheLoneSock Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 It's my opinion that true success comes after multiple failures. I doubt he never had any setbacks in his life. I think he is looking at the bigger picture and basing his response on the fact that he is probably happe with his life. Because if you are happy, how can you have failed? I think he misinterpreted the question.
Art_Critic Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 It's most likely his definition of failure where the difference lies. I am somewhat the same way.. I don't fail either..unless it is in relationships What I do is make decisions.. and if a decision turns out to not work out I make another decision to alter the outcome. In Business this is the best approach to have since you cannot allow yourself to fail. Some may look at my decision(s) that didn't work as a failure but I don't.. I look at it as a chance to excel because in the end all the matters is the outcome.. Of course then throw in my relationship into the pool and yes I have failed before.. but I have learned from my failures.. I will tell you this though.. it is my business outlook on failure that kicks in first when a relationship fails.. I seem to be a fixer.. so I try harder before I admit defeat.
OpenBook Posted October 31, 2009 Posted October 31, 2009 I asked him the question, "How do you react to and deal with failure?" He said, "Hasn't happened, so I don't know." He gave you your answer... He DENIES it! :D:D This is a Classic Guy Move. Never admit you're wrong. Never let 'em see you sweat. Especially in front of a GIRL. Most guys I've met are exactly like this. I think it's built into their DNA or something. They like to spin things into the absolute best positive light for themselves. So they hate it when you try to get them to talk about negative-light things like personal failure. They find a way to squirm out of it. And I think it's great that you called BS on him. I think it's part of our job as women. Keeps 'em honest.
Author SoulSearch_CO Posted November 2, 2009 Author Posted November 2, 2009 Thank you so much for the other perspectives, guys. I just have never heard of such a thing. Interesting to hear other people's spin on it. He gave you your answer... He DENIES it! :D:D LOL - we've discussed his avoidant tendencies. I think you're right. And I think it's great that you called BS on him. I think it's part of our job as women. Keeps 'em honest. It keeps him on his toes. He seems to like it. haha
Recommended Posts