Reviews from

A Fly on the Wall

Viewing comments for Chapter 26 "On...Cheating"
A journal musings and assessments about situations

30 total reviews 
Comment from susand3022
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Thank you, Rachelle!!!
Not only for telling people not to give themselves up to playing second fiddle, but also for having the guts to tell that SOB where to get off when you were obviously in such a vulnerable position yourself! I am, however, sooo glad you dished it out to that B! The audacity of her! It's bad enough to have an affair with your married boss, but to do it with his pregnant wife in the office? That's some serious BS... she deserved to cry. I hope she remembers that remark. I hope she remembers that it came from the pregnant wife of the man she was cheating with. I hope she still feels guilty, because she should. We should be better than that to each other. As women, we should do better.
A real life's lesson, for anyone who cares to learn. Cheating is never good... whether you get away with it or not.
Susan :)

 Comment Written 09-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 10-Jan-2023
    Hi! I don't know how, but this is a duplicate post. I sure hope you didn't use up two precious 'sixth stars" on me!!
reply by susand3022 on 10-Jan-2023
    Well, you're entirely worth 6s... no matter if they're for old things or not. I love the way you write. :)
reply by the author on 10-Jan-2023
    I appreciate that!! xo
Comment from judiverse
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This is wonderful. You relate some compelling examples. You progress from what you experienced in childhood, with the girl who stole the eraser. I think for many the attitude is like your sister's. Just keep it to yourself and don't get involved. Sometimes when you don't speak up the person who's doing the cheating will go on to do more significant stealing. Your later experiences have to do with cheating. You mentioned men cheating on their girlfriends or wives. That's about the lowest form of cheating. I think men are more likely to cheat than women. You really struck a nerve with that dental tech, but she deserved it. I love seeing pieces like this--intelligent and well thought out, without reliance on raw emotional appeal. judi

 Comment Written 09-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 10-Jan-2023
    Thank you for this terrific review. I always love your reviews, Judy, because they're always so insightful and full of real thought about the piece. I appreciate the depth you go into every time. Xo
reply by judiverse on 10-Jan-2023
    You're welcome, and thank you so much for your comments. Excellent writing engages the reader and prompts thoughts. judi
Comment from Karyn2
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I love your story telling Rachelle and the way you bring moments to life. You choose relatable scenarios here in which we have all experienced in one way or another. Through your flair, cunning humour and subtle side comments and ability to boldly call out what others look away from, you have certainly created a fine, engaging and provoking read!
Thank you for sharing your own stories and experience and for highlighting different ways people choose to respond to cheating. After all we all have a choice - to turn away, to confront and call out, to simply pretend it didn't happen or to rally for justice. When cheating happens, someone is always stollen from. It might be ourselves that are robbed from happiness, true love and respect or self worth or it might be another's or something of value that is stollen.
As you say, it is different for each person what they believes is of value or matters when it comes to our response. Sadly, in world history we know so many crimes and lives have been stollen and people turned a blind eye.
I truly love your engaging writing style. Never afraid to speak the truth.

 Comment Written 09-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 09-Jan-2023
    I love this review. Thank you for always making me feel like a good writer. xoxox
Comment from John Ciarmello
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi, Rachelle. I enjoyed this progressive saga of cheated happenings. Your first one had to be the most traumatizing for the youngest, Rachelle Allens.
I would have to agree with everything you have said other than that cheating (and I'm not excusing the act) is a taught reflex, especially for vulnerable young minds. If you've never been taught right from wrong, any abominable act becomes okay and part of your norm.

That is my psychology lesson for today! There will be a pop quiz in the next few days. No cheating!!!! Hahhaha. I loved this one! Just having some fun with you. Best, JohnC

 Comment Written 09-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 09-Jan-2023
    Thank you, Dr. Ciarmello! I'm really good at pop quizzes, so bring it on!! xo
reply by John Ciarmello on 09-Jan-2023
    LOL! POP/ POP :)
Comment from Spitfire
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Bravo to you for finally kicking your hubby out the door. An entertaining and informative write. I enjoyed reading about Patty and Doreen. These two may be cheaters all their life after finding out they can get away with it. As for LuAnne, she paid a heavy price for not believing you. I like the way you ended this. Some women/men put up with cheating rather than bring up a child alone.

 Comment Written 09-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 09-Jan-2023
    Yes, but at what cost to the child, I wonder.

    Thanks for this very supportive and encouraging review. Very much appreciated. Ditto for the additional stars. xo
Comment from Sally Law
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Is this true? I sense it is because you haven't changed a lick! I mean that as a compliment. You have high standards obviously and aren't afraid to speak up for yourself and for what's right. You should run for office. God knows we need some honest, secure, level headed, I'm-Not-Putting-Up-With-This-Lying-Mess-Anymore women in leadership. Fantastic chapter!
Sending you my best today as always,
Sal XOs

 Comment Written 09-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 09-Jan-2023
    I don't play nice with liars and cheats, so I think my career would be shortened in record time! Thank you for thinking of me in such a positive light, though; that felt fabulous. xoxo
reply by Sally Law on 23-Mar-2023
    Most welcome! Where are you, by the way? Missing you 'round these parts.
    Sal XOs
Comment from Brenda Henderson
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This was a thought provoking piece. I found myself remembering similar instances from chapters of my own life. I'm certain that your readers will find this both relatable and accessible. It also reminds us that different people have differing perspectives on how they wish to resolve such issues in their own lives and in there interactions with others. Thank you for sharing and giving everyone something to think about. We'll done!

 Comment Written 09-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 09-Jan-2023
    You just validated every reason I had for writing this piece. I wanted the readers of it to think about it and weigh and assess how it pertained to their own lives. You are wonderful; THANK YOU!!! xo
reply by Brenda Henderson on 10-Jan-2023
    You're Very Welcome!
Comment from humpwhistle
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I think part of the problem is the word 'cheating'. It's inadequate. We learn the word when we're kids. It means peeking through our fingers when we shouldn't. It means to fib. It stands for all manner of trivial, childish indiscretions. The problem is, we grow up, but the word 'cheating' doesn't. The difference between childhood indiscretions and adult indiscretions requires another word. Adult cheating ought to be a felony and have a name of equal weight. But we still call it cheating--as if it's a hiccup.

You realize Mrs Fuller was cheating, too, right?

Full disclosure? Don't ever play Monopoly with me. I cheat like a mother brother!

Peace, Lee






and they defeaned me--deafened?

 Comment Written 09-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 09-Jan-2023
    This is very wise and on-target in a way I never thought of before. You are absolutely correct.

    You're right; Mrs. Fuller was definitely cheat g. But she was so old, you couldn't even zip the back of her dresses up all the way, so we'll give her points for even showing up to work.

    And thanks for the eagle-eye editing catch!! Xo

    Love it when you review me, Humpwhistle.
reply by the author on 09-Jan-2023
    Oh, and as far as Monopoly? I'm always the banker (it's a Jewish thing) so good luck cheating THAT, mother brother!
reply by humpwhistle on 09-Jan-2023
    Sounds like a challenge. You foolish, foolish girl!
reply by the author on 09-Jan-2023
    Yeah, that's what Bernie Madoff said to me, too...and look what happened to him!
reply by humpwhistle on 09-Jan-2023
    I don't get Madoff. I get even. Even when I'm forced to cheat.
Comment from Debi Pick Marquette
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Rachelle, these stories are so familiar in all of our lives one way or another.
One may ring a bell of similarity and the next may slap you in the face with a dose of reality. And if they don't do that, then a screenshot in their brain, of your stories, and store in a file named, ' food for thought.' You have been given a gift from God, to do what is right. I think that your sister did you a great justice, telling you not to be a snitch. That gave you ability to know the difference; what was your fight to fight,, to a fight that needed to be fought.

This gift from God, is wholeheartedly in a file, categorized as, 'acts of kindness,' or 'caring for your fellowman.' Calling out evil is always a good thing, and God knew what he was doing when he picked a fiesty red head writer, to be gifted. The only time His gifts can be bad, are when they are not used.

I must go back and read the other chapters, as soon as I am able, because this one was so brilliantly written. You took me back to my third grade when everyone, including the teacher was so sure I had cheated when I wrote my first poem. However, my mother was also a fiesty teacher, who was also a loving mama bear. (in my poem, why I write) That teacher didn't know what hit her when my mom was done with her. Yes, calling out bad is good!
Because of situations, beyond my control, I was a people pleasing, be nice to everyone, sign on my back type, that said 'kick me,'
What you see in me now, is a reformed 'yes-aholic. I had finally learned how to stand up for myself, as I have always done for my children and grandchildren.
However, still pretty timid and slow to learn when it came to making waves.
Yes, I still believe in benefit of the doubt theory, but when the facts are in black and white, it is time to take a different approach. You have been a great mentor, my dear in helping me to face myself and grow in my quest to not always keep the peace.
You should be proud of yourself for treasure box of wisdom, and once again I say,
"You go Girl" and "You Rock!" And I thank you for sharing this with us.

Well said, and beautifully written! Thanks Rachelle

 Comment Written 09-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 09-Jan-2023
    Wow!! What a fabulous review. I appreciate the support and encouragement. Thank you for being so generous with your words and feelings. They mean the world.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I agree with you 100% and a cheating man or woman will do it over and over again. They will not change that flaw in themselves. Thank you for sharing this story and I enjoyed reading it.

Our teacher, Mrs.Fuller, was in her last year of teaching (space needed after the period in Mrs.)

 Comment Written 09-Jan-2023


reply by the author on 09-Jan-2023
    Thanks very much; I always appreciate an eagle-eyed reviewer!!