There is another type of person and reaction. Let’s call them the “eyes wide open” types. They would weigh everything and make a decision based on evidence and past experience. They are neither gullible nor cynical. PHOTO | FILE
In these instances, people show us who they are, but we hold on to the romantic hope that they will be different with us. My mother used to say, “When it comes to people, watch what they do, not what they say.” Sadly, it’s a principle I’ve sometimes ignored to my own detriment. A business person may tell you, “I’m honest,” but is that what previous associates would say?
There are people who openly tell you who they are but we delude ourselves that they can’t be right. This is that guy or girl in a romantic relationship who says, “I’m not ready,” or “I’m just out to have some fun.” Foolishly, we hope and pray that they can change
However, there is another type of person and reaction. Let’s call them the “eyes wide open” types. They would weigh everything and make a decision based on evidence and past experience. They are neither gullible nor cynical. That’s the approach we should all aim at.
THERE’S AN OLD red Indian legend about how youth would go into solitude to prepare for manhood.
One youth found himself in the forest alone, a beautiful mountain before him, beckoning him to climb. When he reached the peak, he stopped to catch his breath. Then he heard a rustling at his feet. It was a cobra. He recoiled and wanted to run away. However, the snake spoke before he could. “I am about to die. It is too cold for me up here, there’s no food and I am freezing. Please take me with you back into the valley.”
