"...and Shannon's flighty"

flighty (dictionary.com)
adjective
1. given to flights of fancy; capricious; frivolous
2. slightly delirious; light-headed; mildly crazy
3. irresponsible
synonyms
1. mercurial, undependable, irresponsible

flighty (World English Dictionary)
adj.
1. frivolous and irresponsible; capricious; volatile
2. mentally erratic, unstable, or wandering
3. flirtatious; coquettish

Years ago, this word was used to describe me - in passing, seemingly lightheartedly. The speaker may not even remember it, but it has always stuck with me. I see the scene in my head like a movie clip. I've never known whether to take offense to it or not. I remember being surprised by the description, but not necessarily upset...

What constitutes my flightiness, my irresponsibility, my lack of dependability?

Is it because I am into my 30s and don't have my own home? Is it because I sometimes make "crazy" decisions to follow my dreams and my heart, rather than settle for a mediocre life? Is it because I'd rather be poor and happy than settle for a crappy job that I hate just to be able to afford a "comfortable" life? Because if those are the things that make me "flighty", I am okay with the description.

Or is there more to it? Is there something I don't know about? Did I let someone down, but not realize the affect I was having? Did I fail to be there when I should have been? Is there some deep hurt on the other side of this description that I am unaware of? Am I flighty because I'm so wound up in my world that I can't see the impact I have on those around me?

"Why don't you talk to them about it?" my uncle asked tonight. I don't know... I don't know if there's really anything to talk about. He's right, I am hurt, but its a small hurt. Does it need to be teased out into the open? Can it just be glossed over and shrugged off, like usual? "They just think I'm flighty... [shrugs]". Would talking about it really change anything? [Another shrug...]