R.E.S.P.E.C.T

The funny thing about life.

There's an adage that goes, plant expectation and reap disappointment. This seams to be the tagline of 20th century relationships.  Whether it's a romantic relationship, friendship, professional or otherwise, everyone is responsible for themselves and that's just how it goes. I remember a time (whether imaginary or real) when people cared about the wellbeing of others.  And not caring for personal gain, but caring because the genesis of human nature was that of kinship and looking out for the next person. Fast forward to the day of socializing digitally and you are living in a world where its literally every man/women for him/herself. I find it heart wrenching that no one cares how their actions affect others and as a result, most of us walk around with a false 'me myself and I' bravado that pretends not to give a hoot what others do.  Relationships are no longer based on the healthy pursuit of bringing out the best in another and knowing that you can rely on someone.  These days the one you call your bff and air kiss at Friday night gatherings, is too busy when things are not looking up in your world, suddenly no one is genuinely interested in how you are really doing, they're more interested in the wittyful conversation they can have from you and turn into fb status updates.


We all want human connections, we all want to be treated with love and respect and to not be taken for granted by those we love, yet no one is willing to make the first move to ensure this happens. I have a philosophy that you should always strive to treat people the way you want to be treated, executing that philosophy has become easier said than done.  To some point one can't help but feel tempted to be ungrateful and take others for granted and not care for anyone else.  But every time I want to do that, I am tripped by the guilt of imagining how I would feel if that was done to me. 


Maybe I shouldn't care, but I do, I can't help it. One of my favorite songs by the legendary king of pop - Michael Jackson - says "I'm looking at the man in the mirror, I'm asking him to change his ways, if u wana make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change." this song reminds me that treating people with kindness and respect may not always garner the same respect, but I just can't imagine myself being treated in anyway other than with kindness and respect.


N