multi-level venting

At the risk of offending someone, I just have to get this off my mind  (and you know any post that starts out like this is going to be a good one. No boring zoo/pool/park-trip recap today, folks!)

Seriously, is there a big sign on my forehead that says, "Please try to solicit me to join your multi-level marketing company. I'd be awesome at it. Please, exploit our friendship and offer me insincere compliments to get me in your matrix selling my soul off to get others to buy your overpriced products."

There must be. And it must be a big sign. Because it takes both hands and one set of toes to count how many times I've been solicited by an MLMer in just the past half-decade. 

Should I take it as a compliment? People see my personality and characteristics and want their product represented by someone like me?

Or maybe it's a non-compliment. People see me and think I'd make a great mindless minion for their greedy scheme.

I should save myself some time and breath and aggravation and make some business cards that have the word BACKOFF PYRAMID BUILDER! in large letters. Or if I wanted to keep it more light-hearted, "LET'S JUST BE FRIENDS - NO PRODUCTS INVOLVED." 

Now I know all MLMs aren't created equal. But it seems like for so many, the product is really a just window-dressing to divert attention from the real profit-making dynamic: start-up fees and selling the product internally. Or for others, the product creates a religious-level fervor, turning the seller into a crazed zealot. 

I do sincerely adore and respect my friends who are involved with an MLM type company. Most have been totally cool about it - like my friend Kristin. She sells Scentsy candles. Lovely product. She asked me once if I'd do a party. I declined. It was never brought up again. We're still bestest of friends, and I cheer her on in her business endeavors. 

But others - or just one, specifically - is driving me mad with her hypocrisy and pretentious lip service! I hate being the one to unfriend people on Facebook (the explanation for my 900+ list that really needs to be cleaned up) but that might just be what has to happen. Because I've learned - so many times over - I can't change anyone. In general, people rarely change. I can only control my own behavior. And I have a hard enough time doing that! Ha! 

I feel better now. Thank you.  On with conventional commerce!