It's my Party and I Can Cry if I Want to

Tuesday, 13 days left

I finally have to send out an announcement to my clients that I will be leaving. Predictably, this doesn't go over well. I purposefully waited to do this because I thought I would be able to say, "I'm leaving but I'll be right over here in this other department." Don't get me wrong, I appreciate everyone's sympathy, but it has become incredibly draining. I find myself avoiding people and the usual gathering places because I can't stand the little pouty faces they make when they stamp their feet and say, "I'm sooo sad!" They've worn me down, and I'm not cheerleader I once was.

Here are my current responses to their inane attempts to commiserate, and yes, sometimes I even say them out loud:

I'm so sad! - Not as sad as I am.

What a stupid decision! - I couldn't agree with you more.

I'm really upset about this! (this one is usually accompanied by a 45 degree head tilt, furrowed brow and hands on hips ) You want to see upset?

What are you going to do? Gee, I hadn't thought about that.

I know, I know, "bitter, table for one!" but I ask you, if there was ever a time you should be able to be bitter, I think this is it. You'll just have to indulge me.