Awkward lady at Mass; Prayers & Advice needed!

[JimR-OCDS]

I would talk to your pastor just to clear your mind.

It may be the woman has an eye stigma that causes her to stare, which comes across as a glare.

Don’t take it personal.

Jim

 

[turtle18]

I was born with a frown on my face…I am not kidding…even as a young baby I am frowning!! My lips curve naturally down. I have had to train myself to turn them upwards so it doesn’t look like I am frowning ALL THE TIME.

But to OP’s original post, I have found there are just some really cranky older ladies at Mass-they act like they own the parish. I have also found there to be some mentally unhinged people at Mass. God loves us all and wants all of us there.

Is it possible at all that this is this lady’s natural demeanor?

 

[tifischer]

Hi everyone,

Just wanting to share this and get advice.

I’ve been able to go to daily mass a few times per week for the last few months. Over the past couple of months I began to notice a lady there who began giving me some pretty awful looks. So I started wondering what I had done, or if it was just that I was younger (well, 28!), or I was dressed ‘wrong’?

I don’t dress any differently to most, and I am conservative- it can’t be that.

It’s getting really bad, where I catch her glaring at me. She won’t look away if I look back, either.
I have been charitable, and I smile at her- nicely. She continues to glare. Sometimes she will shake her head and look visibly annoyed.

I am reverent, quiet, and like my quiet time in prayer before and after mass. I keep myself to myself. She seems to find any opportunity to be annoyed by my presence.

Last week, sat in the aisle, I crossed over to shake hands with a friend on the opposite side. Many people do this. She was approaching down the aisle (she is an EMHC) and she practically leapt in the air because I was in her way ( I really wasn’t- there was plenty of room!).
She let out a huge sigh and shook her head at me, and gave me one of the nastiest looks I’ve ever received.

This time- I decided to charitably engage her after mass. I said I was very sorry if I had been disrespectful in any way. She told me I hadn’t been, and I “had nothing to worry about” and quickly walked away.

I thought this might clear the air. It didn’t.

I’m now getting anxious about going to mass. Even when she gives communion, she glares at me in the line, and when I get to her, she is really not happy about me being there.

I pray for this lady, and I ask your prayers for me too. I am naturally self conscious and sometimes worry. But, I am positive about what is going on. My husband has seen her a couple of times, and agrees that there is something not right.

I have tried to keep away, not look at her; etc. But, when I’m there I feel she’s managing to invade my ‘space’ - even if it’s just with her glaring!

Thanks in advance!

I am a single mama, I feel like an awkward woman most every day I go to the Mass. Keep praying for her and be careful not to look to much into her looks.