Misjudged

I wrote before that how some people on the pool table, they most likely act that way off the pool table.

Someone who spews their emotions during competing prolly does that at work.
Someone who hustles in the pool room prolly does that in their work, too.
Someone that is quiet and happy all the time when competing, they will be like that in every day life, too.

However, I MUST be fair.

I must state LOUDLY that the other thing that I have learned is that there are MANY people who may "act up" during competitions, but they are in reality VERY great people.

One of my friends is not liked by many because she is an extrovert and states a lot of things out loud during matches that is not received very well.  Some people think she is sharking.  Some think she is rude.  In reality, it's just her personality.  And if you were to get to know her and to be her friend, she would move mountains for you.  She gives great advice and is a true friend.  And when I found out she was raised in a brutal environment and had to defend herself and her siblings throughout her teenage years, you understand why she comes across abrasive. 

One of my other friends hustles a lot.  He isn't liked much around the pool room.  But once people get to know him away from the game, they see a great guy with a huge heart.  And if you are lucky enough to be good friends with him, he'll be a true friend to the end and someone who would help you in any situation.

I think a lot of times we are too judgmental and not understanding. 

I think it's unfair to not like someone because they might be an "emotional" player or an extrovert, or don't yet know how to handle their feelings when they compete.

I used to be a "mad" player.  I'm not anymore.

A good friend used to show her anger a lot when she played pool and it affected A LOT of her competitors.  But she has worked on it and has changed and no longer does that.  And away from the table she has always been the sweetest woman in the world!

Another friend shows his anger when he competes and can come across as rude and inconsiderate.  Whereas off the table, he's a great guy and actually chooses his words wisely when he interacts on difficult topics. 

Notice as I describe these players, I am calling them all "friends."  Because they are.  Just because they are intense competitors doesn't mean they aren't good people with huge hearts.

So while I wrote before that the personalities we see on the table are often the type of person they are off the table, I wanted to be sure to share that some of the most animated or emotional players that might make you mad when you play them, are actually REALLY inspiring and impressive people away from the table. 

We must remember to not judge players away from the table based on how they act when they compete.  Competition brings out emotions we don't even understand ourselves sometimes. 

But give yourself a chance to get to know them anyway - because away from the table you might find the are amazing, wonderful, and become your best friends!