We do not, however, share any of the same values. He doesn't get me, I don't get him.
I am female and do not share blood so according to his rules of social engagement, I'm usually classified somewhere between fly on a cow's ear and discarded potato peelings.
You get what you give.
I broke his rules. I quit a job. He can't take it. And now he wants to talk. I can't explain anything to someone who can't control their eyebrows. (Which, at this point, are permanently raised and possibly twitching...)
I can't explain happiness to someone that doesn't ever entertain the possibility of it. I don't know how to explain joy when it's never been a priority. And I certainly can't maintain a conversation when hope and potential isn't in someone's vocabulary.
My ego wants to punch him. My heart wants to give him a hug. My brain wants to prove him wrong. Such a dismal existence. (I realize I'm giving him power by writing this post.)
I've curated a brief list (for him, myself, and anyone else who may have inherited an oxygen stealer in their life) of people who followed their instinct.
-Walt Disney was a newspaper editor. Quit. (Was actually fired.)
-Ellen Degeneres. Paralegal. Quit.
-Harrison Ford. Carpenter. Quit.
-Ken Jeong (Mr. Chow from the Hangover) Doctor. Quit.
-Joy Behar (host of the View) Teacher. Quit.
-Julia Child. Spy. Quit.
-Martha Stewart. Stockbroker. Quit.
-Jesus. Carpenter. Quit.
(There's that or A very appropos pin..)