Don’t smother each other. No one can grow in the shade. ~Leo Buscaglia, American author and motivational speaker
Tell me I’m witty, clever, and pretty.
Tell me I make your world whole.
Tell me you love me, say it out loud.
Buy me more flowers and gold.
Take me with you whenever you can.
Call me from work every day.
Surprise me with baubles, trinkets, and such.
Never neglect me in any way.
They don’t call me diva for nothing, you know.
I’m needy, demanding, and rare.
I expect your attention, presence, and heed.
My pleasure, your only care.
(Some people are just like honeysuckle vines
And won’t stand on their own two feet.)
Reply to my texts the minute you see them.
Answer my calls when I ring.
Don’t make plans with your friends on Saturday night,
Only to me shall you cling.
I don’t like fishing or sports or hunting,
Don’t bore me with lifting weights.
Your job is simple: make sure I’m happy,
And the wolf’s away from the gates.
High maintenance? Yes, but I’m worth it, you know,
What else would you do with your time?
Look how much pleasure I bring to your life.
Without me, you’re not worth a dime.
(Are you sure you want such a sticky bond?
I’d beat a path ‘cross the street!)
Note: I’ve known people like this, haven’t you? They’re clingy and demanding; nothing but complete adoration will keep them satisfied (and even that sometimes isn’t enough).
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
I have known people like this. They’re obnoxious. But quite apart from that, Buscaglia’s wrong. There are many things that grow only in the shade, including some people. Emily Dickinson comes to mind. 🙂
You are absolutely right about some people growing in the shade — and that’s not a bad thing at all anyway! Thanks for pointing that out. Impatiens grow best in the shade; no wonder we don’t have any this year!
A person such as this would be so tiresome! And no mention of making tea. Avoid all divas, I say!
They’d tire me out, too, Lucy. In fact, just writing this one was wearisome — because, of course, thoughts came to mind of people like this, people I can only take in small doses!
Loved this one! Goodness. I think I know a few people like that. Lifting weights is COOL. I testify to that. *nods*
There you go again, Professor, sounding just like Domer! I can’t tell you how often he reminds me to pump some iron.
Haha! I tell my mom that all the time.
Good for you — we moms are blessed to have such thoughtful sons!!
Great job here, Debbie! Captured well here, these demanding and needy souls! Now where did I leave my entourage . . .? 😉
HaHa — I’m just relieved none of y’all thought I was describing myself here!!
If she finds that man, can you get her to check if he has a brother? 😉 Great poem, Debbie, love the rhythms!
Why, thanks, FF. You know, my first forays into the world of poetry were rhythmic. Perhaps that’s a result of early musical training??!
You are describing a narcissist…..
A not-so-nice narcissist, too, right, Cindy?
LOL Debbie. I’ve known a few of those.
Thank you, John. I imagine we all have, more’s the pity. They do seem rather prolific for some odd reason.
🙂
Suffocating. Needy. Empty. No ability to stand and thrive on one’s own. I’ve known some souls like this. I, too, would beat a one way path across the street. Yikes.
Thanks, Barb. We’ll run in the other direction when we see them coming!
I recognized the narcissist, I have a “friend” with this disorder…great poetic description!
I know people (mostly women!) like this, too, but no way can I call them friends — quote marks or not, ha! They’re just far too complicated for me…or perhaps I just don’t have enough patience!
I agree, it seems to be mostly women. My particular friend is better in person, but you should see the stuff she puts on Facebook! Let’s just say, she’s really out there…
You are truly a better person than I, for I really can’t abide this personality trait. And your friend must have some pretty amazing redeeming qualities, too!
Yes, Debbie, I most certainly have known people like this. In fact, my 5-year relationship with my partner was very much like what you shared. It finally got to the point where my own life disappeared because he required constant attention. I eventually had to end our relationship because I lost myself.
I have also experienced this in a few friendships.
GRRRRREAT poem, my friend! Hope you’re having a super week!
X
Ron, I’m so sorry you had to go through this. I can only imagine how draining it must be to have constant contact with someone like this. Despite the pain, you’re very WISE to extricate yourself from a relationship where, as you say, you “lost yourself.”
Glad you enjoyed the poem — hope it didn’t stir up too many uncomfortable memories for you!
Happy Wednesday — happy rest-of-your-week! xo
RUN! RUN! RUN!
RED Flag after Red Flag.
Narcisism is exhausting.
Loved the poem, Debbie.! xx
Isn’t that the truth, Kim?! RUN is great advice when faced with someone who thinks the world revolves around them. Thanks for your lovely compliment! xo
I, too, have known people like this. At its core, I think this type of neediness is rooted in profound insecurity. It would almost be sad if it weren’t so darn annoying!
You got that right! And if it’s a person you need to see on a regular basis, it’s that much more annoying, ha!