Thursday, April 13, 2006

Stroke.

The bloggers over at International [Blank] Day have declared April 13 International Ego-Stroking Day based on ChickyBabe's field research in analyzing the male ego. It seems that women are more often the recipients of informal compliments than men, but men could use some stroking as well. (Where's your mind? Stroking of the ego, I mean. Obviously.)

So today I bid my fair and fabulous readers: stroke each other's! Stroke other people's! Spread the love!

And so I shall heed my own advice...

****

You'll know that you've made his day, she writes.
I do know. I have known. You've told me so.
I didn't know how to respond, but I reread it often.

Did you read that as present tense, continuing, rereading? Or past? Reread. Done.
Do you reread? I think you do. I think my every word is safe, my every slip of paper tucked neatly with the few objects you cherish.
Don't tell me if I'm wrong. I don't want to know.

Make sure you mean it, she writes.
Have you ever doubted that I've meant every word I've ever written?
Probably you have. You're modest that way.
But you shouldn't.

I can't do it today... but I'll do it again.
I've been storing the words.
More words than you know of.
More words than you'd ever dare dream.

Make your day? I prefer to aim higher.
I'll make your life.

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posted by Jill at 12:20 AM

15 Comments:

  • I'm glad that there is an international day for such an activity. Now I have an excuse.

    I love the poem. Those who write with passion, write with truth, even when they aren't being completely truthful.

    By Blogger Janet, At Thu Apr 13, 01:19:00 AM 2006  

  • Wow Janet, it's funny that you mention that, because I was just wondering which "truth" people would read in here...

    By Blogger Jill, At Thu Apr 13, 01:20:00 AM 2006  

  • Stork! Stork! Apparently, I need to work on my stroking.

    One of my favorite lines from a song is, "I'll be grazing at your window. You can come pat me on the head. I just want to know why you're nice to me for." Not good English, but it's funny.

    By Blogger The Grunt, At Thu Apr 13, 01:35:00 AM 2006  

  • Men don't traditionally stroke each other...ego or otherwise, but especially their ego's...a grunted "great shot' is about as close to affirmation as most guys can muster...

    By Blogger Indiana, At Thu Apr 13, 01:45:00 AM 2006  

  • Grunt... random. but funny.

    Indiana: yes, I know. That's why they need us ladies to do the ego-stroking. But it sounds as if you've been getting quite enough affirmation, so good for you!

    By Blogger Jill, At Thu Apr 13, 01:51:00 AM 2006  

  • That's true. Women are much better at telling each other that they are great.

    You're great!

    P.S. I'll write soon.

    By Blogger Momentary Academic, At Thu Apr 13, 02:23:00 AM 2006  

  • On behalf of the bloggers at International Ego-Stroking Day, I thank you.

    Nothing would stroke this man's ego as much as these words of yours that would touch his heart.

    By Blogger ChickyBabe, At Thu Apr 13, 04:04:00 AM 2006  

  • And in keeping with the day, You are awesome.

    By Blogger Croaker, At Thu Apr 13, 08:49:00 AM 2006  

  • "Make your day? I prefer to aim higher. I'll make your life". I LOVE that. You don't mind of I use it, do you? Jill, your writing is amazing. Thanks for sharing. (there, did my stroking for the day :))

    By Blogger Meg, At Thu Apr 13, 11:16:00 AM 2006  

  • Wonderful. Thanks for sharing that.

    By Blogger Karl, At Thu Apr 13, 12:28:00 PM 2006  

  • I like the passion and confidence in this - the confidence to express love so unguardedly. Can you really do that? Or is she a character?

    By Anonymous peefer, At Thu Apr 13, 12:45:00 PM 2006  

  • Hmmm.. I disagree with Indiana. I do think men stroke their buddies egos. Well at least I do and I know it's reciprocated.

    Jill, yet another great post.

    By Blogger Egan, At Thu Apr 13, 01:08:00 PM 2006  

  • I agree with the terrific comment left by Egan. I must say that Egan is handsome and witty. He always leaves wonderfully funny comments and insights.

    Now, I'm ready and waiting for some reciprocation, man;)

    By Blogger The Grunt, At Thu Apr 13, 01:26:00 PM 2006  

  • the grunt, you are a beautiful man. You're quite eloquent and so generous in your daily offerings. You do things often that are beyond the call of duty. I salute you Mr. The Grunt.

    By Blogger Egan, At Thu Apr 13, 03:30:00 PM 2006  

  • M.A.: You're great, too! Take your time, but I'm looking forward to reading. :)

    Thanks, CB. Words can have that effect on a man, I've heard.

    Croaker: If you have Dead Like Me as your avatar, you must be awesome as well.

    Thank you, thank you, Meg! Feel free to use it. I hope it comes in handy for you. Deliver the line with appropriate dramatic inflection for best effect.

    And thanks for reading, Karl E.

    Good question, Peefer. Now I could. I think. But I've been writing this emotion in different ways for about six months or so now. I hope it would translate from written to verbal. But definitely--I can write it and share it. Definitely.

    Thank you, Egan. And I'm always interested to hear what goes on among the boys.

    Grunt, you are quite the wit as well. And your avatar is very handsome.

    You are a true gentleman, Egan. Nice job.

    By Blogger Jill, At Thu Apr 13, 05:33:00 PM 2006  

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