Dude...Ew...Gross

Monday, February 20, 2012
Have you seen the Geico commercial where the pudgy middle aged guy hires the local Middle School girls to call him to task when he eats something that's not so healthful?


 

That cracks me up. And reminds me that our friends have a role to play in holding us accountable for our choices and helping us to live a better life. After discussing this with the Mechanicky Gal and the Superlative Stacey, I've decided to call this the "Dude...ew...gross" rule. 

It's a rule that I've lived by for a great many years, of course. When the Mechanicky Gal was making less than fabulous decisions, I gave her the moral equivalent of "Dude..ew...gross." When I had my head planted firmly up my butt, she provided me with the same service: "Dude...ew...gross." 

Don't get me wrong - it's not like we're posting photos of our poor decisions on Facebook or YouTube - we have the ability to be kind with one another while still remaining honest, and these things are said with complete love and affection. But sometimes you need someone to call shenanigans on your emotional (and other) bullshit. And that someone needs to be a person with whom you have minimal emotional baggage. Because let's be honest - when your Mom gives you the "Dude...ew...gross" treatment, most people's reaction consists of the completely mature and rational "You're not the boss of me!"

So the Mechanicky Gal tells me that a woman of my age and fitness level should really be able to touch my toes without bending my knees, so why don't you do some yoga? And I take it in the spirit it was intended, examine my behavior, and make a change if it's warranted.* And when I tell Stacey that letting go of our anger is for our own good rather than the shitbirds', she gives it some thought before finding her own way.

The "Dude...ew...gross" rule. Trust me - this shit works. And you won't ever need to hire the local mean girls.

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*It was. I'm now doing three "Sun Salutations" a day in order to increase my flexibility.

5 comments:

Stacey said...

I like this rule immensely. Instituting rule. Engage.

Phiala said...

I love sun salutations, and do them every day, mostly, and have for years.

(Vowing to do them most days instead of every day avoids certain undesirable obsessive traits for me.)

There are lots of variations and ways to work other poses in, too.

The Mechanicky Gal said...

Stacey, a most excellent day with you and Janiece! And the "Dude....Ew....Gross" is particularly useful when certain tops are... not flattering.
Phiala, I have recently made my commitment to do yoga most days and yes, there are many other poses to work in. I find the first salutation of the day to be painful, but by the third or so, things are working out.

Phiala said...

After many years of practice, my biggest problem with morning yoga is canine and feline assistance. Downward dog is a whole lot more interesting if there's a real (100-lb) dog involved.

Matt said...

Janiece, As I recall, in our Navy days this was known as the "What . . . the . . . Fuck?" rule. Worked well then too!

colony ctyourg - I've noticed your captchas are taking on a decidedly Lovecraftian tone.