The Mask

I have been in a situation several times. How long does it truly take to get to know a person?

It would probably take more than just the fingers on one hand to count the number of times that I have been truly impressed with a person and really enjoyed them and then they turn out to be someone completely different. I guess it takes a while for everyone to show their true colors, right? But, I feel like in particular these people have truly hidden who they are, whereas with others you just see deeper parts of their personalities as time goes on. In particular, with a very good friend, after quite some time it turned out they only wanted to take advantage of me. And were dense enough to continue to attempt that after knowing how I disliked them. And, more recently, thinking that someone is more mature or in a place where they are not. And then turning to name calling in a discussion... well, let me just say I'm not longer surprised at their situation.

People are just so surprising and interesting though. They often catch me off guard. Like when you are nothing but nice to someone, contribute a little something, offer something and they still resort to childish behavior. I must have really hit home, because I don't see temper tantrums like that except in the kids that I babysit for (all between the ages of 2 and 5). But, even more so than that, is the resistance to some honesty and a little challenge. I guess some have been so coddled and so used to getting what they want and having their hand held that a challenge doesn't go over well. I guess they will always live in their land of delusion, which sadly is an unhappy place.

BUT, most importantly, is that I have learned so much from all these people, and this is what life is all about, right? Perhaps the biggest lesson I learned today. Will had always tried to make the point about how name-calling and insults do not strengthen your argument, but just make you appear more and more childish. And make you seem non-educated.

The end.