Drama Llama

I thought a lot about how I wanted to start this particular blog. I wrote a bunch of stuff and erased it. It all felt too stuffy. Here’s the deal: you joined a league, there’s a lot of people, a lot of personalities—there’s going to be drama.

Some people are drama queens; we know this. But then there’s the worst kind of drama. Drama within your own posse. Even worse—unintentional drama within your own posse (Yes, posse. I know it’s no longer 1996, thank you).

Unintentional drama creates the worst rifts. If it was drama for the sake of drama it can almost be brushed off. “OMG _____ is such a drama queen. WHATEVER.” Moving on. But, you can’t do that with unintentional drama. Someone said or did something over there that offended someone else without meaning to. *Insert drama

Nobody really knows how to deal with this drama. It stays on the down low until it explodes into a fiery wave of doom. Everyone is on the defensive side, and someone else is always to blame.

THIS ACCOMPLISHES NOTHING.

Everyone suffers as a consequence. Headstrong players appear stubborn and mean. Quiet players seem inconsolable. The drama continues to spin.

Recognize different personalities. Some people are sensitive, quiet, and reserved. Others are loquacious, opinionated, and have strong personalities. None of these traits are negative qualities; they just butt heads sometimes (making people buttheads---see what I did there?).

By being a bit more sensitive toward other people, you’ll pick up on emotions and tension quicker than someone with the “What the F ever” attitude. Nip the problem quickly before it creates a gap between a larger group of skaters, which could cause even bigger problems for the longevity and reputation of your league. Plus, no one wants their team to be associated with unnecessary drama.

Be a tad sensitive.

Understand that someone else will perceive situations differently than you.

Know that your actions and words have consequences.

Don’t be the drama llama.

Work quickly to shut down the drama before it creates larger issues.

Resolve the issue. Apologize for any misunderstandings—even if your words were misconstrued. “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean for X to sound like Y.” (Damn those Ys!!!)

Most of all: appreciate your teammates, your leaguemates, your coaches, your NSOs, your refs. Without them there would be no derby. They all work so the derbies can happen. That means YOU get to play. So shut down the drama, turn left, work hard.

Happy Skating!

Bitter Sweets <3

 Much like this wheel bruise, the Drama Llama leaves its mark.

You'll forget the pain until it *subtly* reminds you occasionally.

How long will it last this time?

(Photo by me. Ouchies, my thigh.)