I have been activie in a committee at Church for about 18 months. It has been a wonderful experience, allowing me to utilize my "talents," share insights with other adults, and help my parish and local community.

We got a new member that someone (I"m not sure *who*) nominated to join our group. And I am on the verge of quitting because of this person.

I thought I was alone in the level if discomfort I felt as I listened to this new member complain, criticize, and through these unjustified negativities, reveal a lack of true connectivity and understanding of our parish community. A wonderful woman I work with on the committe approached me and said, "Is it me, or is The New Person completely ABRASIVE?"

Abrasive.

That word is the perfect description, because it not only indicates the stinging attitude, and coarse mannerisms, but also the physical rawness of the vocal intonation used.

I'm going to nickname this person "sandpaper" - because he/she sure as sh*t rubs me the wrong way!!