Friends in Low Places

So maybe I'm naive but I think all people are inherently good. I put so much faith in people I don't even know and I get told a lot that I'm crazy, but I don't think I am.

When I was growing up the shows I watched the most were Cops and America's Most Wanted. Those aren't the most happy-go-lucky shows on TV but I took one thing away from it. Every story started with something along the lines of "Our small town was the safest place in the world, locking your front door was unheard of, until...[insert tragedy here]." I always thought that was crazy. How one incident changes how a whole town lives their lives.

I think that way because that's how I am. I lock my door because I'm "supposed" to, but I don't feel like I have to. When I run into the gas station 99% of the time I leave my car running with the windows down. I truly believe no one is going to steal it. I gave money to someone yesterday while I was getting gas and I truly believe he used it to get gas. Maybe not, maybe he needed a pack of cigarettes but at the same time...I don't care. He's struggling...I'm not. Even if someone did steal my car, I would probably feel bad for them. They're going through something way worse than I am and they needed it. They'll get theirs, I'll get insurance and replace what I lost.

I feel the same about how people are towards one another. That's why it's so hard for me to let go of friends or relationships. Even when I've been wronged I can find a light inside the other person. Everyone has a light even when it's being dimmed by their inner demons and I think we all need to remember that. Each and every one of us is fighting some sort of battle, big or small. All of our actions are responses to personal situations. So if you're choosing to not be the friend I may need, I know it's because you're going through your own thing. If you don't need me to be there for you, that's your decision. I know that any person who has wronged me, short of physically harming someone I care about, I will be there for if they asked.

Just remember that there is good inside of everyone. Maybe you just need to listen a little closer. Look in someone's eyes when they're talking to you. Read body language. It's there, I swear. Be more open and you'll see a lot clearer.

xx
Gina