we must not hide

so often we want to hide from it all.  we want to stay home and not go out.  we don’t want to see people all the time – we want to be alone or at home with family.  this is ok.  this is a normal feeling.  but why do you see the same people out all the time – always looking happy, always acting like they want to see you.  it is because they make themselves go out into society.  they do this because they like being out in society or to keep themselves in the mix of society – to feel part of something, to have fun, to interact with others, to not be alone.  there are folks that like to be alone, that don’t mind being alone, that like to chill all the time at home, away from society.  this is a good thing if you are happy alone.  but it can lead you to move further and further away from society – which can be detrimental to your well being, to your state of mind.  therefore, even if you are perfectly happy sitting at home, you still must force yourself to go out into society, to be part of groups, to interact with others that you like and dislike.  you must not hide, you must force yourself to go out into the world – to keep your mental health in balance and to face your fears.

jackasses

jackasses are everywhere you look – in fact you can see one in the mirror as well – because we are all a pain in the ass once in awhile.  but there are those folks that like to push your buttons and make you react.  they want to see you go out of character and fly off the handle – especially in front of groups.  they are the instigators that deliberately think about what to say to get you going.  the first few times, you will fall for it – defending your pride or honor – they know how to get you upset.  you must recognize these jackasses and you must not react.  you must hold your tongue, you must not react, you must keep a calm, happy face, you must fake your feelings towards these people – don’t let them know that your non-reaction is a reaction.  you must not react and then fake a nice reaction.  they do not need to know what you are really thinking.  this is hard to do if you are a person who shows their emotions all the time – and are known for showing emotions.  you must gradually change your reactions.  you must have controlled reactions most of the time and save loose reactions for more intimate friends.  you can do this but you must work at it – you must deliberately put yourself above it all and be more mature in these public situations.  next time – stop, think, don’t react.