Work Text:
Rose Hunter was incredibly frustrated. She was fed up with people telling her that her problems weren't a big deal, as if that made her feelings less valid. It seemed like no one understood that dismissing someone's emotions only deepens their distress.
Just because something isn't a significant issue doesn't mean you have the right to undermine why someone else is upset. Everyone's emotions are personal, and it's crucial to respect how others feel rather than belittling their reactions. Instead of dismissing their concerns, it's better to understand why something is significant to them.
It's also unhealthy to bottle up emotions. Sometimes, people need to express their anger to release it. Yelling, venting, or simply letting out frustration is a natural way to cope and process feelings. Denying someone that outlet only prevents them from moving forward.
Rose's anger stemmed from years of dealing with frustration, disrespect, and abuse while constantly having to accommodate others' needs without regard for her own. Despite her efforts in therapy and trying to mend relationships, her family and friends never seemed to reciprocate her efforts. They expected her to accept mistreatment and denied her the chance to express her anger in the way she needed.
Today, her frustration was compounded by a visit to the local YMCA. She had gone for a swim in the eight-lane pool, only to find that several lanes were occupied by an exercise class and the swim team's practice. Even though Rose had already been using one of the lanes, she was told to move for the team. She tried to use another lane, but soon, more swim team members showed up, forcing her to move again.
Rose was upset by the YMCA's apparent lack of consideration. She thought it was unfair that the facility scheduled an exercise class and swim team practice simultaneously without proper notice. A simple sign indicating lane availability would have helped.
She had already been dealing with a lot: cleaning her apartment in preparation for upcoming construction and managing her stressed cat. The cumulative stress of these issues made her feel pushed to the edge. Yet, when she reached out to her mental health team, she was told to accept her circumstances and not to be so angry.
Rose knew the YMCA didn't operate on her schedule, but she just wanted a bit of courtesy and better communication from them. They should have clarified whether they needed to use the entire pool to avoid inconveniencing other members.
She was tired of being told she had no right to be upset, especially when she felt she had been patient and understanding with others for far too long. Rose wanted to know when she could stand up for herself, express her frustration, and be seen as deserving of respect.
In the end, Rose felt her life was full of disappointment and disregard from those around her. She saw no real consequence for poor behavior or lack of consideration in her life and was left wondering if anyone truly cared.