Deep Talk Part 1

I am going to add a series of questions I have gotten online along with my answers. This is a challenge for me because I am going to be completely honest with my answers.

What is the thing you think people should do more often?

To judge less. When people see someone they don't know, they judge them by their appearance or reputation. But what people don't see, or even try to see, is the story behind each and every person. Why is that man homeless? What is his story? What is the story behind that young girl at the bus stop? Or the story of that teenager who got arrested for murder and rape? Why do people do those things? And how did they get there? How did they get to where they are now?  What is my story? Why do I do the things i do? How did i get to where I am? 

Reviews

[Carol Cashes]

Hmmm...in the spirit of "honesty", I struggled with this answer. I'm 62 and my life experiences have been vast and colorful and hard and difficult and wonderful and unforgettable. But...I judge harshly and quickly. In my defense, the "judged" are those I have personally witnessed to act with willful and purposeful malicious intent or those who refuse to be responsible for their s**t. When it's time to be grown...BE GROWN. Never miss a chance to be silly or enjoy anything that you loved as a child, but PAY YOUR DAMN BILLS FIRST. Laugh out loud at yourself and find joy every where you can, but when if you have responsibilities (jobs, children, rent, car payments) you handle your business first then get on with the business of being happy and silly and joyful...blah, blah, blah.

I often say that I have tons of EMPATHY: I generally always understand the WHY of people's motives and actions, I just seldom agree with their handling of whatever, therefore, I have little to no SYMPATHY. Don't be like me...but don't be a sucker either. Trust your gut and if someone don't "smell" quite right and you hesitate even a millisecond before loaning money or inviting them to be roommates - there's a good chance that you can gracefully NOT get hooked into something that will be harmful to you and still remain friends. I don't employ the tool of diplomacy or tact and both of my friends are treasured and valued and trusted with my life. There's a happy medium, I just don't have the emotional energy at this stage in my life to wait it out and see.