04/03/2025
I laughed when I received this card leaving the dentist yesterday, thinking “so that’s why I can’t feel half my face!” As I thought about it more, I realized that just because something is obvious doesn’t mean the implications are obvious. For example, the fact that you are numb isn’t news, but maybe the risk of chomping off a piece of your cheek chewing while numb isn’t as obvious. This gem of knowledge could be used to follow your lawyer’s advice in a custody lawsuit. If you have an emergency VPO on you, follow your lawyer’s advice not to contact your spouse saying you’re sorry and pleading with them not to pursue the matter further. Maybe follow your lawyer’s advice not to refer to child support as “blood diamond” money even though you think it’s funny, and you can’t imagine anyone not thinking it’s funny. In short, just because it’s obvious that you’re in a state of emotional turmoil during your case doesn’t mean how to navigate those feelings in a healthy and constructive way is obvious. You may want to listen to that advice instead of using it as a figurative (or literal) place to stick your gum.