Ignorance is not always bliss

In our society, when we think about people like ourselves, it is second nature to talk about somebody we dislike without their knowledge. However, it is almost unheard of that someone showed an open display of their hatred in public, in front of the person in question. What really is the better way?

Should one continue to be nice in person, and yet talk negative things about people behind their back? This would mean that the person might have an idea, but cannot really confirm. Is this sort of vagueness better? You give people the freedom to do what they want, and talk about it without their knowledge. In many cases, they might not even know that somebody could feel so strongly about them!

Or is it better to go tell somebody, "Hey, you know what? I really don't like ________ about you. Therefore, don't do this around me." If I were to go and say this to somebody, how would this person take it? The person could be greatly offended, and tell me to stay away. Or the person could actually appreciate it, and take care not to be like that around you. They might hate it initially, but come to appreciate it later, maybe? If they're the sensible sort, that is.

Or, does one completely ignore such a person? Pretend they do not even exist. Never acknowledge them in person, or in your conversations with other people. Could that be the best way to deal with it? I can answer this one, though.

No.

I think a show of love is ultimately what everybody wants. A show of dislike would certainly be unwelcome. But the pain of being ignored is the worst of them all.

Sometimes, with some people, there isn't another way (read guys who trouble girls). But in almost all other cases, even an acknowledgement is welcome, as opposed to being ignored.

This could be somebody on the street, asking for money. I think saying "aage jaao" is better than ignoring them.

This could be somebody at home, a relative of some sort you don't like. Even if you don't like them, never completely ignore them either.

This could be somebody at work, who's not very good socially or has strange manners. Leave it only at acknowledgment, but at least that much.

This could be somebody even you might know very well, but things may not be going very well with them.

Spread love, joy and peace where you go, so you may hope you find the same.

I don't even know why I wrote all this, but I just felt like writing about this. So. :)

On that very dramatic note (:P), here's wishing the few, very nice followers, of this blog, and the world at large, a very safe and joyous Diwali!

May the stars always shine on you. :)

The Temporary Phases

Last week, I was taking a walk, when I came across a nice, plump cat. I couldn't resist myself of course, and began cuddling it and playing with it. I walked holding it close to me for a while, and then it followed me on it's own. It felt so nice, to see people shoot envious looks at me for having befriended the cat. But it seemed so natural, so easy!

As we both sat beside each other and looked at the world, I realised it would begin raining soon. So I decided to take the cat to a sheltered place. We know cats hate water! Before I got very far, light droplets fell upon us, so I took shelter to contemplate over what I should do with the little being. That was my mistake.

A lady, standing with her 5-year old, decided that this was the perfect time to make conversation. She talked about mundane things and delayed me so much, the poor little cat jumped from my hand to seek comfort in the bushes. It had been pouring by then. I could not find the cat again. Drenched comepletely, I walked back home along empty streets, feeling helpless and lost.

Why did I have to go play with that cat in the first place? If I did, why did I allow it to follow me? Why did I want to see to it's safety? I mean, I'd known the cat for twenty-odd minutes!

And if I cared about it so much, why did I let that lady waste my time? Why didn't I just stick to what I had to do?

I hate it, when things in life aren't permanent. I hate it that people can bring fun and love in your life, and when you're almost getting used to them, they leave you and go away. Sometimes with a warning, sometimes not even that.

"Be strong", they tell me. Yeah, right!

And if you, by some stroke of luck realise that you're being too emotional and you should get a grip on yourself, people say that you've suddenly become cold or detached.

That, is still restricted to other people. It can be ignored.

But how do I tell myself, that the cat was safe? I could not meet it again.

How do I know all those people who have gone away will be fine?

Emotions are too much, at times.

At times, I wish I was a simpler being. Wouldn't overthink so much!