The difference between "them and me"

I've often written in this blog about being yourself - being true to yourself, but above all just being who you are. There isn't anything else I care to be these days. Just me. Aside from the fact that I'm happy with the person I've become, I figure it's so much easier just to be one person than trying to be what everyone else wants you to be. It's so much easier to remember one person for a start. Where does that come from you ask?

I've found it interesting these past 4 months to see the reactions of people to my addition in Shane's life. I've felt all sorts of diverse reactions. Everything from - "well OK you're here now" - to "come on, show me why he's with you now". I don't know that I've been surprised by the majority - for the most part each reaction has been pretty much predictable. I'm not writing about it now because anything in particular has struck a chord with me - only that I'm somewhat amused at how sometimes people treat others so poorly.

To say that on Saturday night I felt like a Lab Rat (as Shane put it) was probably a bit of an understatement in one sense and possibly gave the evening way too much credibility in another. One of the things I've never quite been able to understand about some people is their need to make others feel insignificant. I understand the competitive nature of some people and I'm all for a bit of fun competition, but I don't understand the destructive nature in some. I guess I'll never understand it. And as Shane always says - everyone has a story. I agree. We all do. And while some stories may not be quite as inspiring or earthshattering as others, each and every one is as individual and as valid as the next. Those who fail to recognise that fail to clench the very basic fibre of human nature. I've always said you can best judge people by how they treat those who can do nothing for them.

If there is one thing I have always tried to maintain - it's an open mind. I've tried not to adopt other people's opinions of anything, people or situations. I've always tried to make up my own mind based on my own experience. I understand that circumstances can cloud situations and sometimes personalities just don't gel. I would hope that I've never had a pre-conceived idea about someone that was so rigid that the actual meeting of the person did not dominate my opinion. I'm just not sure everyone is the same.

And while I may well not be loved by everyone I meet (and I expect that to be the case), I am saddened that there are otherwise intelligent, rational human beings out there who fall into the trap of judgement. Saddened because it's their loss, not ours. Will my life be changed by this issue? No. I can live with it or without it. But I am saddened that some people simply can't see the forest for the trees and likely never will.

Right now what I am grateful for is a strong foundation of love, respect, trust and partnership and a future that promises to be better than anyone could dream of. I couldn't wish or hope for anything more and so I am satisfied and happy and hope those who sit in judgement are comfortable - it's going to be a long wait.