But really...what IS a "friend"?

I found a very interesting observation on Mike's blog ("I Hope You Dance") about people in general. It's a wise and, unfortunately, accurate observation that I don't often see...on the Internet or anywhere else. It's just not human nature for a person to think of anyone other than him/herself...it has to be learned. Just as unfortunately, it seems to be too much work for people in general to learn how to treat other people...it's also human nature to do what is easy, and not necessarily what is honorable. This is consistent with what Mike sees in traffic (on a regular basis, I'm sure) and the particular observation of the older woman (proof that wisdom doesn't necessarily come with age) in the gas station. Both of these examples are just the tip of the iceberg, of course...but it would take too long to go into more detail.

Mike is also on the right track with his conclusion that he shouldn't change the way he is just because of how people in general act. Yes, people like us are few and far between...and it's always nice for me personally to find people like Mike who seem to understand and accept the ways of the world. I probably don't need to tell Mike this, but people like us shouldn't (and don't) do the right/nice/honorable thing for gratitude. We do it because that is what our consciences direct us to do...we can't imagine proceeding any other way. For me personally, I know people in general don't care that I prefer to follow my conscience in everything I do, and likely never will...but there's no need to worry about them. I'm the only one who has to live with myself 24 hours a day...and as long as I do everything I feel I'm supposed to, I'm just fine with myself. I hope Mike continues to be just fine with himself as well....