nervous

Why does Mrs. Smith get on My Nerves

"I cannot stand Mrs. So-and-so; she gets into a rocking-chair and rocks and rocks until I feel as if I should go crazy!" some one says. But why not let Mrs. So-and-so rock? It is her chair while she is in it, and her rocking. Why need it touch us at all?

from Nerves and Common Sense by Annie Payson Call

One of many wonderful tiltles at Harvest Fields that boynton is slowly working her way through (via J walk)

Annie also has interesting advice for those in need of a holiday - the imaginary vacation.

Mother, I cannot stand it. I cannot stand it. Unless I can get a vacation long enough at least to catch my breath, I shall break down altogether."
"Why don't you take a vacation today?" asked her mother. The daughter got a little irritated and snapped out:—-
"Why do you say such a foolish thing as that, Mother? You know as well as I that I could not leave my work to-day."
"Don't be cross, dear. Stop a minute and let me tell you what I mean. I have been thinking about it and I know you will appreciate what I have to say, and I know you can do it. Now listen." Whereupon the mother went on to explain quite graphically a process of pretense—good, wholesome pretense.

boynton's been taking imaginary vacations for years. Still nervous. Wa la wa.