My Pink Pal

Do you remember the Peter Seller movies, the pink Panther series? Sellers was a detective who had an asian house servant. The servant would try to ambush Sellers when he returned home. It was an agreement that was designed to help Sellers stay alert and prepared for physical attacks from real enemies.
I realized that I have a neighbor who has taken on a similar role. She tends to be aware of my mental and emotional states, it’s as though she knows my mood, and can “mess” with me at will. It’s amusing for her, but isn’t for me. Usually, I’m fairly good natured, very rarely angered, and then only for a moment. So I’m the perfect target for a sensitive individual who enjoys teasing and toying with the feelings of another. I’m sure she doesn’t mean any harm.

When she notices my gobsmacked reaction, or total bewilderment, to her offhanded remarks, she’ll say she was just “messing” with me.
At least, I feel that I’m not being ignored, but it does tend to get on my nerves, and was causing me a low grade anxiety.

Once I acknowledged my agitated reaction, I decided I had to do something about it.

I’m noticed that people who flippantly do things like this, like making off handed jives at one’s icons, are not prepared to hear derogatory remarks aimed at their sacred cows.
I don’t want to engage in retribution. Forgiveness, understanding, although more difficult, seem to be the better way to respond.

When I saw the similarity with the asian butler in Pink Panther, I was amused, and began to appreciate how her behavior would help me strengthen my life skills. My wife used to be my partner in the battle of life, but she’s no longer around. My neighbor is not interested in marriage, and that’s fine. But her analytical skills and taunts can be a aid to developing a gracious repartee for healthy emotional growth.

I don’t remember ever seeing her in pink. I should probably refer to her as my Panther Pal, ready to pounce when the prey is daydreaming.