Quid pro quo: translated = Something for something.
It is a phrase that is used in a variety of ways, from legal to everyday conversation. Even if the words are not there, the concept is. If you help me out, I can help you out. I had a conversation with a friend tonight that encompassed this idea, and it left me feeling…out of my element. As this friend so kindly informed me today, I am a person who apparently has redefined the art of shutting herself down in situations that involve sharing emotions. I’m not proud of this fact; in all actuality it makes me kind of sad. I’m not sure what has completely happened in my life that has made me like this. I suppose the main idea is that I would rather help someone else out than myself, and I know that redirecting conversations is the easiest way to turn the topic from myself to someone else. It is too much effort to keep myself emotionally invested in myself, and it is draining to dwell on things I can’t change. So I move forward, and try to move on, alone.
This proves difficult with friends. Which is a good and bad thing.
Time to tell me the truth
To burden your mouth for what you say
No pieces of paper in the way
‘Cause I can’t continue pretending to choose
The opposite sides on which we fall
The ‘Loving you laters,’ if at all
No right minds could wrong me this many times
My memory is cruel
The queen of attention to details
Defending intentions if he fails
Until now, he told me her name
It sounded familiar in a way
I could have sworn I’d heard him say it ten thousand times
If only I had been listening
Leave unsaid unspoken
Eyes wide shut unopened
You and me,
Always between the lines
Between the lines
-Sara Bareilles
