Page 28 of The Seducer
A few other men in the audience chimed in with supportive comments.
Recognizing the support he was receiving, Miles smiled and spread out his hands. “With everything you have taught us in these spiritual enlightenment classes, Athena, I think we can all empathize with his lack of self-control and manners. Even the best of us can feel unbalanced and say things we regret.”
“Thank you, Miles.” I gave him a warm smile. “I salute you for being brave enough to admit that the Nmen’s more traditional masculinity challenges you.”
He frowned, but softened when I added, “It’s a sign of great maturity to be open to another’s point of view, in particular when it’s being delivered in a confrontational manner.”
“Thank you. I have to admit that I felt provoked when he said that our forefathers gave up their man card. It’s not true; if anything we upgraded it to a premium card.”
I angled my head with interest. “So please share with us how you stayed calm despite feeling provoked. Others might learn from your technique.”
Miles smiled. “Actually, I used what you taught us about remaining sane in stressful times.”
“Oh?”
“Yes, first of all I thought of what you said about his attacks being an invitation to a fight, but that it’s my choice whether I want to participate.”
“Excellent. You resisted the bait. Well done!”
“And then I used those words you taught us to say in our heads. So, when he said that Nmen werereal men, I just said to myself,in your opinion.”
I turned to the class. “Those are powerful words, but remember that they are best used internally. Said out loud they can be an explosive fuel to a disagreement. We use the words to distance ourselves from the other person’s argument and remind us that what our counterpart is saying isn’t the final truth that we have to share or agree with. They are entitled to have their opinion, as much as we have the right to disagree.” Turning my head to Miles again, I nodded in a sign of respect. “Thank you for your valuable input; please take a seat again.”
He returned to his spot on the soft grass and we continued discussing the subject of the Nmen for another half hour before I spread out my arms and gave my closing remarks.
“This has been a very honest and passionate debate that I suggest we all take some time to reflect upon. It has brought up the relevance of knowing how to handle conflict in our lives. Therefore I suggest that we push forward Saturday’s planned subject of nature’s impact on your mental health, and instead do a session on conflict resolution and how to set personal boundaries.”
People in the audience signaled agreement by nodding and smiling. As usual, some of them came up to me to discuss their own feelings relating to today’s subject. One of the women shared that her mother was terminally ill and she was struggling to stay positive. We shared a long hug of empathy and I gave her a time for a grief consultation with me for next week, before I exited the virtual reality setting.
“Didn’t I tell you to stay quiet?” I asked Finn when I removed my VR equipment.
“Like I’m just going to let someone diss my people.”
“You were very disrespectful, and I hope you do better next time.”
“Next time?”
“Yes, we’re going to visit my best friend Karina and her children. I thought you would be interested in meeting a real baby.”
Finn’s eyes lit up. “In virtual reality or in real life?”
“In real life. They live five minutes from here; just promise me that you’ll keep your swearing under control.”
CHAPTER 9
Tight Grip
Athena
“May peace surround you, dear,” I said when I walked into the kitchen of my good friend Karina.
Karina spun around with her baby Marita on her left hip and a bowl in her right hand. “Oh, what a lovely surprise, Athena, may peace surround you too.” Setting down the bowl, Karina held out her free arm to hug me before she saw Finn behind me and stiffened in an awkward position.
“It’s okay,” I assured her.
“Who is that, is he a…” Karina wasn’t able to finish the sentence. Her eyes were large and both her arms folded as a protective shield around her baby girl.
“Yes, Finn is an Nman, but I promise you that he won’t harm you or anyone in your family unit.”
