How to be Unreasonable

by Erica Bethe Levin – December 19, 2009

My boyfriend called me unreasonable the other night.

Unreasonable?

I have never been called such a thing in my life. Well, I lie. I have. But seriously, unreasonable?

Turns out, the kid had a point.

According to Ye Ole Wise One, I was being unreasonable because I was making a big deal over nothing. A nothing that was none of my business, in fact. Well, that, and strangely enough, I start to behave in unreasonable ways approximately once a month. Go figure.

But when I think about it, this thing/situation/circumstance upsetting me really, truly and utterly was none of my damn business. So, why did it bother me so much?

After sleeping off my crying fit of unreasonable-ness, I asked Boyfriend why I was so upset. Why did I scream and yell and cry over nothing that at the time felt like everything?

His answer was simple, clear and concise: “You made a big deal over nothing because you have nothing else in your life to complain about.”

What?!?!?

Well, damn, I guess he’s right. I have a family that, albeit living in Florida, is the closest thing in my life. I have a job I love. I have a boyfriend who points out when I’m being unreasonable. I guess little things build up when all of the big things are already standing firm.

So, in the face of being called unreasonable (and justifiably so), I sit back in amazement realizing how really, truly and utterly happy I am.

I wish happiness and small bouts of unreasonable-ness to everyone this holiday season. Merry Chrismukkah and Happy New Year!

About the Author: Erica Bethe Levin

Erica Bethe Levin is the Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief of CheekyChicago.com. She loves to write, but she also really loves her dog Pippin, spaghetti, wine and Billy Joel.