Escapist Ways

I would like to describe in detail the habits of a certain species of man upon this earth: The Escapist.

His main behavioral quirk or instinct is to avoid that which would cause him pain or discomfort -- however this may be defined. For instance, getting singled out in a crowded room full of strangers could be an extremely painful experience for one Escapist -- so much so that responds by slinking into a dark corner of the room 9 times out of 10. For another, the idea of getting rebuked by his boss or a family member may cause the greatest internal distress -- in order to avoid this situation, he employs his behavior towards the goal of pleasing and pacifying these people. Still another Escapist may loathe the effects of cold weather upon his body so much that he never ventures outside at these times except when absolutely necessary.

Another notable habit of this species is that its members are never satisfied. Perpetually harried by one problem or another -- striving to avoiding this or that painful situation -- they are unable relax, and fail to enjoy even the simplest pleasures when presented with them.

Escapists tend to be shy, withdrawn, depressive, or anxious. Unable to accept that contradictory sensations of life, they retreat into a self-created, physically and/or mentally hyper-safe environment. This secure yet limited space is -- of course -- unable to satisfy their needs (as mentioned above), because it does not allow the full range of experience. For this reason, depression results. And because this 'secure' environment is never wholly safe (because complete security does not exist), anxiety results as undesirable circumstances continue to invade.

The Escapist -- in addition -- is master of deception and excuses. Faced with a potentially threatening encounter, the escapist will no doubt create a means of evasion that convinces onlookers -- and sometimes himself -- that his actions are perfectly reasonable and true. For example, should someone ask the Escapist an uncomfortable question, he will change the subject or pretend not to hear it in such a way that everyone believes it missed his attention.

The only remedy for this condition is strenuous and timely rootedness on the Escapist's part -- a determination not to be repelled during an undesirable encounter. That, and the increasing acceptance that perfection does not exist.

I didn't go to medical school for 6 years for nutin'!