Am I obnoxious? (Watch it! LOL)

@GreatMartin (23672)
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
June 13, 2016 11:18am CST
I was playing a 'game' with friends (and can/should only be played with friends!) called "What would you change about me?" Much to my surprise I was told I was 'obnoxiously upbeat, happy, positive' which led to a discussion of how I got that way. I have had a lot of down periods in my life--arrested 2 times for being gay, kicked out of the USMC for the same reason, had to declare bankruptcy, 'divorcing' my family, one evening contemplating suicide, losing group of friends during the initial AIDS crisis, being homeless, ridiculed because of my being fat, etc--you know, living life. The first 30 years of my life were not the best of times as I didn't know how to deal with adversity--I was a thief, a liar, immoral, unethical, a denier--all in all not a nice person. So how did I turn out as fabulous as I did? (Is that being obnoxious? :o) ) It took me taking charge of my life. During my 30s I changed my body, my mind, my outlook grasping at everything I could--I went into therapy, joined a weight group, read many self help books, asked and looked for help. By the time I was 41, in 1977 I became the person I am basically today--my life changed 180 degrees--I walked away from a relationship that was negative--I decided what I wanted to do, did it and failed but I had done it! I packed my bags and moved to another State and started to live the life I wanted to live. I accepted all responsibility for anything that came into my life--the good and the bad--I made wrong decisions but accepted the fact that they were wrong, paid the consequences and continued on. I think the major right decision I made in my life (and have made for the past 30 years) was not to allow any negative people into my life. I am now 80 years old--I live on an income of $11,000 a year (including all expenses like rent, cable, etc.)--live in a great environment--have good friends and am having a happy, love filled life. I see the good in everyone and everything. I don't get angry--I smile from the moment I get up to the moment I go to sleep--and I try to help others when and where I can--if you find this obnoxious (I don't) that IS your problem! :o) By the way as 'obnoxious' as they make think I am we are going out for dinner tonight!
14 people like this
14 responses
• Philippines
14 Jun 16
Wow. I was moved by your story. Obnoxious or not, you are a wonderful person.
2 people like this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
18 Jun 16
Thank you--I think so, too!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
19 Jun 16
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
13 Jun 16
I think you know that I am a fellow 'obnoxious' person as I always look on the bright side too.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64354)
• United Kingdom
14 Jun 16
@GreatMartin They can like us or lump us! (Is that just an English expression?).
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
14 Jun 16
OMG!!! Two of us!!! Is the world--well at least Mylot--ready for us???
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
15 Jun 16
@jaboUK No you learned it from the Yanks in WW2!
1 person likes this
@Inlemay (17713)
• South Africa
14 Jun 16
You are POSITIVELY just great! dont change a thing unless its bugging you.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
18 Jun 16
Obviously you have good taste!!
1 person likes this
@Inlemay (17713)
• South Africa
19 Jun 16
@JudyEv (339930)
• Rockingham, Australia
14 Jun 16
I think they are probably just a bit jealous and that alone might make them label you (just a little) obnoxious. Enjoy your meal! And well done. If we all took responsibility for our own actions the world would be a much better place.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
18 Jun 16
But it is so much easier to blame others than take responsibility!! :O)
1 person likes this
@shivamani10 (11035)
• Hyderabad, India
14 Jun 16
Really some whaat thrilling. You got lot of patience. But, I do not to wait for something to happen. I always want things happen when I want. I am totally an irritating personality
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
18 Jun 16
I never waited for something to happen--that's why I have had such an up and down life--and I wouldn't trade any of it!!
@unisa000 (67)
14 Jun 16
I don't think you are obnoxious. More like a fairy God father to a lot of people who are losing hope.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
18 Jun 16
Hope is in reach of anyone/everyone--all that has to be done is to ask and/or reach for it my friend.
@marguicha (223001)
• Chile
13 Jun 16
You are a wonderful person. But maybe obnoxious was a compliment
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
14 Jun 16
I see it that way!!
• Valdosta, Georgia
13 Jun 16
I think your past experiences have made you a wonderful person and who you are today! =)
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
14 Jun 16
Obviously you are a lady with good taste!!!
1 person likes this
@PatZAnthony (14749)
• Charlotte, North Carolina
14 Jun 16
My first thought when seeing the title was- Well, I hope so. Obnoxious people are often more interesting. Avoiding those who are negative and not letting such ones into our life boat seems to be key to enjoying life.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
14 Jun 16
And with the massacre in Orlando I am coming across a lot of negative people!
@amadeo (111938)
• United States
13 Jun 16
Oh!this is what your not.I know what kind of person that you are.Have a good dinner tonight.Where are you going?
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
14 Jun 16
A new restaurant taht I fell in love with--just wish it wasn't so high priced!!!
@SHOHANA (16093)
• Bangladesh
13 Jun 16
You better know about yourself
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
14 Jun 16
I have for the last 40 years!
@garymarsh6 (23404)
• United Kingdom
13 Jun 16
That is a brilliant life story and I am sure there is so much more you can say. You are right not to let negativity into you life. I think perhaps because you are comfortable with who you are what you have achieved and it smells of a bit of the green eyed monster in their eyes perhaps to call you obnoxious! Good on you, stay true to who you are!
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
14 Jun 16
I have no plans to change--I like me too much!
@sabashekh (1218)
• Bhopal, India
14 Jun 16
Obnoxious in a wonderful manner :)
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
18 Jun 16
Thank you!
1 person likes this
@aninditasen (16389)
• Raurkela, India
13 Jun 16
Be what you are. Best wishes.
1 person likes this
@GreatMartin (23672)
• Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
14 Jun 16
I am who I am--I am my own creation!!! :O)
Tony Awards 1984 La Cage aux folles :: George Hearn & Cast " We Are What We Are " I am What I Am " Broadway's Lost Treasures?