Better Ingredients For A Better Social Soup (Without the Bitter Aftertaste)

Each and every one of us is fighting for some future, but not all of us are aware of the future that we're fighting for.

Together, the picture that we're creating emerges from each of our individual wills. What I mean is, sure I want things. But everyone around me wants them, too. To make matters more complex people who are in my life (who themselves want things) also want things for me.

The same is true for you.

And everyone.

The problem occurs when these things don't all match up with each other. Which is always. So then the question is: How do you navigate through a world where everyone's perspective is inherently different?

One way is to try to actually satisfy others. But you'll find that the more you give in this regard, the more people will take without regard. It's the path of the martyr, not a path known for its happy endings.

You could be utterly selfish, looking out for number one. Well, a lot of people tread this way. But if you do it too intensely you miss out on all the best parts of life, namely sharing your life with others. A completely selfish person can't connect with others, because a connection requires empathy and selfish people can only see things from their own perspective.

There might be another way, not exactly a hybrid but not exactly not a hybrid.

You've got to put yourself first. That much is clear. Without that you will be blown on other people and the world's winds your entire life. That's no bueno, senior.

But there's no reason why you can't go out of your way to be there for others, too. A lot of the time it only takes a very little to make someone's day or week or month or year (or life). What it comes down to is boundaries. Relationship boundaries are always drawn, defined, and maintained by trust and respect.

With these things in place communication and empathy are possible. And with those a whole world of possibilities opens up.

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