Annoying Questions That "I" Used to Ask When I Was a Chronic Worrier

I have been busy studying the area of "chronic worriers," and turns out, I used to be one of these people whose lives are miserable most of the time just by worrying. Simple as that.

Well, not simple as that. Chronic worry can paralyze the strongest "mental giant" on planet Earth. Plus rob them of the simple joys of life. Sure, this sounds melodramatic, but it's from the heart. I should end my amateur socialogist view by saying chronic worriers are not beyond help. (e.g. video on this hub).

A lot of work, dedication, and personal sacrifice to overcome chronic worrying. Example: If you get into that life-robbing game of "What if," you can spend an entire 24-hours asking yourself what if this and what if that until darkness falls and still not have a satisfying answer. See what I am talking about?

August 9, 1973, should have been the happiest time of my life. I say 'should have,' because this was the date when I accepted Jesus as my personal savior and began a daily time of prayer, Bible study and just sharing the good news of The Gospel and what had happened to me. Most people were happy. And some people later were not so happy.

It was not due to me striving to live a Christian life. Nor was it due to me pointing my finger at them and yelling, "repent or the fires of Hell will consume you!" None of this hogwash. It was due to the irritating questions I would end-up asking my own family members as well as friends.
This is why this hub is about me, not another chronic worrier, and . . .

Annoying Questions That "I" I Used to Ask as a Chronic Worrier

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"None of the text . . ."

in this hub was meant for comedy, but to give you a first-hand look at someone who has struggled with chronic worrying.

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At church . . .

• "Did I sing too loudly this morning, ma'am?"
• "Are you upset because of my being five minutes late?"
• "Did I hurt you when I stumbled over your feet?"
• "Were you distracted, pastor, with my loud cologne?"
• "Are you angry at me for not giving a lot to the offering?"

At home . . .

• "Did I upset you, mother, when I didn't hear you asking me to take out the trash?"
• "Would you forgive me, dad, for laughing at what you said. I thought you were telling a joke."
• "Please, I beg you, do not hold that mistake I made against me?"
• "Mother, are people offended by people who live Christian lives?"
• "Mother, did I make you angry for not eating two helpings of your chicken and dumplings?"

At work . . .

• "Please look over me for not doing this work faster."
• "Am I fired?"
• "Why do I always eat my lunch by myself?"
• "Will I be in trouble for this?"
• "Are you watching me for some reason?"

Then I married my wife, June 28, 1975. Here are just some of the questions I asked her and later she said it annoyed her.

• "Are you mad at me for glancing at Lindsay Wagner? (The Bionic Woman)
• "Did you mean for me to eat all of those sweet potatoes?"
• "Are you upset at me for talking to your friend, "Peggy?"
• "Did your dad not like me when I met him?"
• "Why does your mom always glare at me?"

In our hometown post office . . .

• "Did I offend you by walking ahead of you?"
• "Are you angry at me for speaking to you?" (I asked friends I seen in the post office this question).
• "Is it okay if I get in there to get my mail?"
• "Sorry I spoke so short with you, if I did."
• "Forgive me for being so impatient as you bought your stamps."

These series of questions that I asked at the various places of my life were not just asked once and forgotten. No. I had this habit of asking the same question many times during a given day. And I did not know until later just how much I annoyed those around me.
In my life today

Today, I try my best to not offend anyone and that takes hard work for we all are prone to commiting unintentional shortcomings as a human, fleshly mortal and when I do come short in some area, I either talk to the person or persons whom I think are offended or phone them and simply ask something like this: "Was I the one you were upset with this morning in Worship Service?" Or whatever place I might happen to be.

Then if the answer is "yes," I was the root of the offense, I quickly apologize. Once. And pray to God for strength to move on.

So far, it is working. But what do you think?

I really mean, "what do you think?"

Oops.