How to Stay in Your Lane in Relationships

It Takes Two to Tango

Photo by Eric Ward on Unsplash

Though I have mediated conflicts, not every situation is necessarily up for two-party resolution. The lyrics by Don Schlitz from the song “The Gambler” sung by Kenny Rogers recently came to mind when I was bullied at the gym.

You’ve got to know when to hold ‘em

Know when to fold ‘em

Know when to walk away

And know when to run

Just one day before, the new cleaning woman in the locker room couldn’t do enough for me saying my energy is so good; and the very next day, a large woman in my exercise class is getting in my face.

What’s up with that?

The Story

At first, I did not remember who she was.

“Why did you tell me not to talk the other day?” she stopped me and scolded me on my way back across the gym from getting my weights.

“What are you talking about?” I reply.

And while she stared me down, I continued, “I feel like you’re attacking me.”

“Oh, it’s just the caffeine,” she snapped to excuse her aggression. “So why did you tell me not to talk the other day in the sauna?” She bent down over my small frame with her bigness, both…