Somewhere Over the Lamppost

So, not only is it "good to know who hates you," as Johnny Cash is quoted here, but it is also good to recognize who is always hating on one person or another. Just because they don't hate you — yet! — it doesn't mean they are not a hateful person. Pay attention to how these people treat all others — those noticeably different than them, people who cannot do anything for them, and especially, the ones they feel wronged by — and the true haters will always become clearly evident!

Often times, withholding your whole opinion from a friend or child to not hurt their feelings is kind; just as being amicable to people you don't know or care for is respectful. These are different than being intentionally misleading, like feigning greater feelings than you really have for a potential significant other, as well as being untruthful, like outwardly boasting about someone's talents or looks when you really feel they are lacking in that department. Perhaps some people prefer to be misled and always want to be told what they want to hear. Myself, I prefer genuineness. This isn't to say I want others to be cruel to me or brutally honest about their every thought about me at all times (please don't!), but there's always the option of saying nothing at all. Just be authentic. If someone doesn't ask for your honest opinion, you have no reason to fib about how you feel — unless you are trying to get on their good side or wanting something from them, which we all can recognize is also dishonest and insincere, taking us right back to where we started! Remember, you can be real and still show kindness and respect to friends, acquaintances, and even strangers. Being "real" and honest does not equate to being rude and hurtful. Thus, being passive and not vocalizing your every single opinion about every single topic does not label you as dishonest or fake. However, aggressively handing out faux opinions and mistruths just might, especially if it's excessive and/or given for personal gain! I think it's important to just always aim at being genuine — while still considering the beneficiary of your intentions. The world has enough fake and coercive people already; please don't become another!

Trying to be stronger physically, mentally, or emotionally will all exhaust you

CONTENT WARNING: Contains mentions of death and suicide

Spiderless webs, snow unfallen, Windows permanently closed; Late birds, missing signs, Live Over a lamppost; …and so do I!