I definitely don't miss the frequency of getting called out on things or, even more, the ways in which I was called out, but it was such an edifying - and in some ways reassuring - experience to know and have people in your life who were so concerned that you weren't be the best version of yourself that they would risk conflict and discomfort to let you know the ways you've come up short.
Since finishing undergrad, the number of relationships I've had where this happens has been steadily declining. Attributed mostly to having less friends in general since I've stayed in Bing, but also the relative age of my friend group decreasing as well. Or actually the problem is the relative age is staying the same, but my own age is still increasing. I miss having those purposeful relationships in my life where older friends would look out for you and let you know when you messed up if you didn't realize it yourself (yeah, I know, I can't believe I'm saying it either).
I can't believe the amount of times over the past year (years?) that I've thought less of someone else because they held a different opinion than I did. Oh you would rather sit home and watch tv tonight instead of going out and doing something? What a boring person. You don't like a movie whose soundtrack gives me chills? You're not cultured enough. You don't appreciate the same books I do? What a shame that you're of an inferior intellect than I am.
Where did this high horse come from and how did I get up on it?
It's really disappointing to see the ways my pride has affected not just my thoughts toward myself but my thoughts and actions towards people in my life who I'm really thankful are in my life. I spend way too much time wishing my friends were more like me when I should be appreciating them for the ways they find enjoyment and rest and excitement in their own lives.
How cool is it that every single person out there is different. Not only that they're different people born at different times in different places, but that every single individual out there has their own life, their own thoughts, their own personalities. Think about how inside of your own head you are. All of the thoughts you have in a single day. All of the feelings you've had, relationships you've had, random conversations with the cashier at the supermarket you've had. Every person out there has just as complex and experience-/heartbreak-/exciting-/love-/hurt-/thought-filled life as you. All of them.
That's the kind of thing that blows my mind.
Slowing down and stepping out from my own circlejerk of thoughts of how amazing I am is something that has occurred far too rarely over the past year, at least. Luckily, God has decided that going to grad school will be a great lesson in humility for me (it's hard, it sucks, I hate it, but it'll be worth it in the end in so many more ways than just another degree). Because I'd really like to stop belittling others - both in thoughts and words - for how they want to live their lives.
But if you think baseball is boring then it's because you don't understand enough about the game and don't pay close enough attention. I'm not moving from that stance any time soon.
