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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 26. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Michael83 on December 27, 2007, at 0:29:49
I apologize in advance if this post offends anyone.
I have recently undertaken a new attempt to be "non-judgemental" of other people, which is totally opposite of what I've been like in the past.
But I'm just more and more frustrated every day by people I see and I cannot figure out why they choose to live their lives the way they do.
It seems when I'm driving around, probably 90% of the people I see, I wonder if they have any self esteem at all. People dressing like slobs, puffing on cigarettes, driving rudely, living like some animal, etc.
I'm not trying to point my finger at these people, but I want so badly to have an optimistic view of the world, to think that people are smart and kind. But the more and more I look around, the more I wonder if there is really a person behind the eyes of most others I see. Some of these people just behave like animals.
The other day I saw a pickup truck with all kinds of idiotic and immature bumper stickers on it, and ofcourse the fake "ball sack" hanging from the bottom of the truck (if anyone's ever seen one you know what I mean). Why do people have to live like this? I see it everywhere and I don't live in a city where this is more prevalent than normal. But what grown adult would wake up one day and choose to live like this?
This is one just example of the types of people I become frustrated with. I could go on and on about others, and just the way they live. It's not just people living like slobs. It's people who are vain, disrespectful, disconnected, blindly hateful, and on and on, etc. I just keep thinking, "who would choose to live like that?"
How can anyone possibly feel good about the world when so many people are out their making an idiot of themselves? People who are anything but dignified or respectful? It makes me feel SO depressed and negative about the world sometimes.
Important Note: I do not know everyone on here well, but I have never encountered anyone on babble that made me feel negative about the world. I think everyone here is great. I really mean that. It's the dirtbag in a dirty pick up sucking on a cigarette with his radio blasting out some "Metallica" crap at the traffic light that frustrates me.
Posted by Michael83 on December 27, 2007, at 0:34:25
In reply to The way some people live depresses me., posted by Michael83 on December 27, 2007, at 0:29:49
It was not simply a rant. I wrote it because certain people genuninely depress me. I just get this awfully bad feeling when I feel like this. I try so hard to find meaning in the world, thinking we have a higher purpose, but it's so hard. Seeing the world negatively takes away value in everything else. =(
Posted by seldomseen on December 27, 2007, at 6:19:25
In reply to The way some people live depresses me., posted by Michael83 on December 27, 2007, at 0:29:49
I understand your struggle.
It is hard to develop the humility, wisdom and maturity that allows one to be free from judgement.
For me, it has been difficult enough to figure out how best to live my own life, much less determining how others should live theirs.
Yeah, it is annoying when people are rude in traffic or blast music that I don't particularly care for, but I try to remember that I am dealing with incomplete information.
For all I know that person tailgating me is trying to get to the ER to be with a loved one. A person who is dressed badly - their house may have just burned down, or they have some condition that requires that attire.
It's the old "you can't judge a book by its cover" type thing.
Posted by gardenergirl on December 27, 2007, at 9:39:37
In reply to The way some people live depresses me., posted by Michael83 on December 27, 2007, at 0:29:49
> I have recently undertaken a new attempt to be "non-judgemental" of other people, which is totally opposite of what I've been like in the past.Like seldomseen said, that's not an easy thing to change. You've taken on a tough task, though one which I believe will bring you feelings of peace and grounding. Kudos to you!
> But what grown adult would wake up one day and choose to live like this?
My guess is that they view what you describe differently. I believe that diversity of beliefs, personalities, cultures, values, etc. add a great deal of richness and interest to the world.
> How can anyone possibly feel good about the world when so many people are out their making an idiot of themselves? People who are anything but dignified or respectful? It makes me feel SO depressed and negative about the world sometimes.I can see how it would feel depressing if you believe that way about the world. I imagine it might also feel somewhat lonely. What I find optimistic, however, is that the definitions of "idiot", "dignified", and "respectful" are not carved in stone by any one person, so there is a great deal of room for compassion and tolerance.
>
> Important Note: I do not know everyone on here well, but I have never encountered anyone on babble that made me feel negative about the world. I think everyone here is great. I really mean that. It's the dirtbag in a dirty pick up sucking on a cigarette with his radio blasting out some "Metallica" crap at the traffic light that frustrates me.Michael, I can tell you mean well, truly, and that you are a caring young man. But I feel the need to point out that you have no way of knowing if someone here on Babble drives a dirty pickup truck, smokes, and blasts Metallica. And you have no way of knowing what that person might do for a living or how they might act in varying situations. Or how they might appear in "print" in this medium. I'm reminded of a woman I was fortunate enough to work with for a few years. I've never met anyone more professional, respectable, effective, well-groomed, competent, you name it. She and her husband LOVED Metallica and traveled around to go to their concerts. You just never know.
I applaud your decision to work on being non-judgmental. And I thank you for the reminder, as I have to sort of police myself for this, too, in certain cases. I hope this has helped. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you in your efforts.
Happy holidays!
gg
Posted by Phil on December 27, 2007, at 10:53:23
In reply to Note about the above post., posted by Michael83 on December 27, 2007, at 0:34:25
Let me see. I drive a pickup(dirty right now), I smoke cigarettes(don't throw them out the window anymore) and I like Metallica. Although you wouldn't hear anything blaring out my windows(I'm past that).
Live an Let Live. Otherwise, you are letting random people dictate your happiness. IOW, you'll never be happy.
Posted by Sigismund on December 27, 2007, at 14:08:28
In reply to Re: The way some people live depresses me., posted by seldomseen on December 27, 2007, at 6:19:25
The people who depress me are often impeccably dressed.
Posted by Racer on December 27, 2007, at 16:03:04
In reply to The way some people live depresses me., posted by Michael83 on December 27, 2007, at 0:29:49
See, I suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, and sometimes -- perhaps it's more accurate to say "often" -- my medication isn't all that effective. At those times, I don't have a lot of energy to put into much beyond the absolute essentials of life. Some days, it's a miracle if I manage to get dressed.
At those times in my life, I don't wash my car as often as I might like, and even at the best of times I think I wax her about once a year. What's more, she's a 1991 Corolla, so not exactly shiny, state of the automotive arts. When I drive around in my beloved little car, I'm sure there are a lot of people who look at her and make some rather unkind assumptions about me. What they don't know is that I can afford another car, and will eventually have to buy one -- but I love my car. She drives just right for me, we're partners on the road, and my own personal value system says that it's not acceptable to replace her for appearance's sake, when there are so many more miles left in her. (And she consistently gets more than 30 miles to the gallon -- another fine feature.) Would I be one of those you find depressing? Because I drive an older, dusty car?
Many people who smoke know it's bad for them, but cannot quit -- or choose not to quit for personal reasons at this time. I venture to guess that most smokers plan to quit in the future. I've known people who battled addictions to heroin -- and say it was easier to quit the heroin than to quit smoking. It seems to me that compassion for smokers is more appropriate than approbation. For that matter, many people on these boards probably smoke -- in fact, nicotine has been shown to improve the symptoms of many psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia.
I don't have any bumper stickers on my car, which is my own personal choice. But I often like reading the stickers on other cars. I saw one the other day I particularly liked -- it said, "I never thought I'd miss Nixon." Personal choice, whether to put stickers on one's bumper or not.
As for clothing, a lot of mine is old and simple -- I'm a middle aged woman who wears jeans most of the time. Is that a sign that I lack respect for myself? Or a sign that I respect my comfort over fashion?
Sometimes, when I'm particularly depressed, I let personal grooming go -- I may shower, but not bother with a blow dryer. My nails may get ragged. My hair may get shaggy. That's an outward manifestation of my inward misery and despondency. Is it a sign that I lack respect for myself? Probably. It's also embarrassing to me, and I hate having to leave the house that way -- but sometimes I have to. I shudder to think what others might have to say about me in that state. I just hope that some who see me in that state have compassion for me, rather than harsh judgments.
So, maybe that person driving the beat up old clunker, with a cigarette in hand, and shaggy hair is suffering from depression. Or maybe that car is all that he/she can afford. Or maybe that person believes, as I do, that a car is a functional tool which needn't be replaced for the sake of appearance. Or maybe that really is a person who's life might be considered depressing to others. Maybe there is nothing behind that person's eyes -- or maybe there's a rich inner life that would surprise us all. There is no way to know, just from looking.
I'm very sorry that you're feeling depressed by the sight of others around you. That must be painful.
Posted by Sigismund on December 27, 2007, at 16:58:30
In reply to You just never know... » Michael83, posted by Racer on December 27, 2007, at 16:03:04
"I never thought I'd miss Nixon."
Good one.
I've been feeling that way for much too long.
Posted by rskontos on December 27, 2007, at 21:35:04
In reply to You just never know... » Michael83, posted by Racer on December 27, 2007, at 16:03:04
Well my father is one that depresses me and he drives the cleanest car in America you could eat off the seats, he dresses neat, he pays his bills on time, he works hard, and yet he is the most narrow minded bigoted man I know. He hates certain groups of people because they are. Not because they ever hurt him because he form ed an opinion of them and refuses to change it. That depresses me. He loves to tell jokes I find replusive and he knows I dislike them but does it anyway. To look at him you would think he is a respectable man but underneath nope. He is depressing to me.
You cant always judge a person by the outside. People just always say your father what a nice man. I would think yeah try having him for a father. But they only knew the outside facade. Not the real him.
So while I understand in part what you mean life has taught me that there is alot more to most people an d sometimes a whole lot more that is not shown.
rsk
Posted by obsidian on December 27, 2007, at 23:22:56
In reply to Note about the above post., posted by Michael83 on December 27, 2007, at 0:34:25
I have seen an example of the aforementioned "ball sack" and yes....it is indeed depressing
but your post made me think of something....
I had a job working with some severely mentally ill folks. They mostly suffered with schizophrenia, and most of them had real difficulty with very basic tasks, like grooming/hygiene. Most of them were chain smokers and were less than impeccably dressed. Well, it was my task to accompany this group to the supermarket, to gather supplies for a meal we would make together, to comparison shop, etc. The supermarket we happened to be in was in a fairly upper middle class neighborhood, and while we stood comparing the price of different brands of peanut butter a woman shopping remarked, "Ugh..you smell like smoke...this is "uppity town" you know...there is another supermarket in the next town", while she glared without shame at my crew and their less than polished presentation. I ignored her as best I could and hoped that most of us didn't notice her. There was no opportunity to explain to this woman what it was that seemed to make these people seem "different", and it was, of course, none of her business...but snap judgment- there it was.
Heading back in the van we all travelled in, I was having a hard time containing the anger I had toward this woman, but I kept it in. Why should she have cared enough to pass judgment on the people she happened to meet in the peanut butter aisle??and now I am wondering what my point was.....
I guess it is that you just don't know, you can't know, so you can never assume.
Posted by karen_kay on December 29, 2007, at 8:28:30
In reply to Re: Note about the above post. » Michael83, posted by obsidian on December 27, 2007, at 23:22:56
i need to quit smoking. at least i've got a nifty pocket ashtray rj reynolds sent me (you'd think i work for that blasted company, woudln't you?) so i can put the butts in the ashtray instead of having my clothes smell like old butts.
yesterday, on our way to the indoor playground, mister kk was a bit slow to go on green and the car behind us honked very quickly. we were checking on our son in the backseat, and this annoyed us, to be honked at. so, we took our time pulling into the parking lot of the mall. the driver behind us found this very annoying and really put on the horn. i don't think either party was blasting metallica or throwing butts out the window. if i'd had a firecracker though... :)
Posted by muffled on December 29, 2007, at 20:00:37
In reply to The way some people live depresses me., posted by Michael83 on December 27, 2007, at 0:29:49
Yup, its a sad world.
I dress like freak so people will stay their distance.
I am horrified and sad at this world.
I hate my body and myself.
I hide in ugly clothes so people can't see my body.
But there's pretty stuff out there too.
When I walk in the forest.
Or receive an unexpected smile.
Or see a kindness...
Go figger.
Glad you working at stuff.
Best wishes to sucess for you.
M
Posted by Michael83 on December 29, 2007, at 23:17:59
In reply to Re: Note about the above post. » Michael83, posted by obsidian on December 27, 2007, at 23:22:56
>>>I guess it is that you just don't know, you can't know, so you can never assume.
I read your story and I understand that there are many people out there who have good reason for their "less than polished presentation," but I think on the whole, the majority of people dressing and acting like slobs are not mentally ill. Otherwise 80% of the population would have to be mentally ill. =p
There are always exceptions and I really do like to think there is a justified reason for some people behaving the way they do, I think people who try to approach things very nonjudgementally often in a way assume too often that there is good reason for their poor behavior.
I guess I'm very judgemental on assuming about people, because to tell you the truth most of the time I'm right about my assumptions. I'm very very good at gauging people. BUT where I've tried to be humble is in NOT getting angry at these people for the way they are, even if there is no good reason for it. Which is not always easy.
Posted by Michael83 on December 29, 2007, at 23:24:49
In reply to Re: The way some people live depresses me. » Michael83, posted by gardenergirl on December 27, 2007, at 9:39:37
>>>>I believe that diversity of beliefs, personalities, cultures, values, etc. add a great deal of richness and interest to the world.
Ayn Rand once said, "the person who loves everybody and feels at home everywhere is the true hater of mankind. He expects nothing of men, so no form of depravity can outrage him."
Those are my true feelings, but my challenge has been to not harbor any bitterness towards these people, which is against my natural feelings, but something I still think is the right thing to do.
>>>Michael, I can tell you mean well, truly, and that you are a caring young man. But I feel the need to point out that you have no way of knowing if someone here on Babble drives a dirty pickup truck, smokes, and blasts Metallica. And you have no way of knowing what that person might do for a living or how they might act in varying situations. Or how they might appear in "print" in this medium.
Thank you. I'm sure there may be people here who fit the description, but from my interactions with them, they must be the exception, because I like everyone here. There are always exceptions.
Posted by Michael83 on December 29, 2007, at 23:30:40
In reply to You just never know... » Michael83, posted by Racer on December 27, 2007, at 16:03:04
>>>>So, maybe that person driving the beat up old clunker, with a cigarette in hand, and shaggy hair is suffering from depression. Or maybe that car is all that he/she can afford. Or maybe that person believes, as I do, that a car is a functional tool which needn't be replaced for the sake of appearance. Or maybe that really is a person who's life might be considered depressing to others. Maybe there is nothing behind that person's eyes -- or maybe there's a rich inner life that would surprise us all. There is no way to know, just from looking.
I did not mean to imply that people who are poor or do not care much about their appearance depress me, they do not. It's people who have "hostile" appearances. A guy in dirty ripped jeans and t-shirt with a mentioning of alcohol, or confederate flag or something like that. Something hostile and rebellious. If you don't comb your hair or if you drive a beater, I don't care, it's a "loud, dirty arrogance" that depresses me. I did not mean to say that poor people depress me.
Posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on December 30, 2007, at 2:32:01
In reply to Re: You just never know..., posted by Michael83 on December 29, 2007, at 23:30:40
We've all seen a man at the liquor store beggin' for your change
The hair on his face is dirty, dread-locked, and full of mange
He asks a man for what he could spare, with shame in his eyes
"Get a job you f*ck*ng slob," is all he replies
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes
'Cause then you really might know what
it's like to sing the bluesChorus
Then you really might know what it's like...(x4)Mary got pregnant from a kid named Tom that said he was in love
He said, "Don't worry about a thing, baby doll
I'm the man you've been dreaming of."
But 3 months later he say he won't date her or return her calls
And she swear, "God damn, if I find that
man I'm cuttin' off his balls."
And then she heads for the clinic and
she gets some static walking through the door
They call her a killer, and they call her a sinner
and they call her a whore
God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in her shoes
'Cause then you really might know what
it's like to have to chooseI knew this kid named Max
who used to get fat stacks out on the corner with drugs
He liked to hang out late
he liked to get sh*t-faced and keepin' pace with thugs
Until late one night there was a big gun
fight and Max lost his head
He pulled out his chrome .45, talked
some sh*t, and wound up dead
Now his wife and his kids are caught in
the midst of all of this pain
You know it comes that way
at least that's what they say when you play the game
God forbid you ever had to wake up to hear the news
'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to loseThen you really might know what it's like...
Then you really might know what it's like...
Then you really might know what it's like...to have to lose
Posted by seldomseen on December 30, 2007, at 9:39:00
In reply to Re: The way some people live depresses me. » gardenergirl, posted by Michael83 on December 29, 2007, at 23:24:49
Ayn Rand once said, "the person who loves everybody and feels at home everywhere is the true hater of mankind. He expects nothing of men, so no form of depravity can outrage him."
I was once quite a devotee of Ayn Rand. In fact, the Fountainhead remains one of my most favorite works of all time. I have rejected most tenets of the Objectivist philosophy as I find them to be inherently contradictory.
If the moral imperative of an individual is indeed the development of one's own happiness, truth, and productivity, then why would there be any outrage at all at the behaviour of others?
In fact, it should be the ultimate "live and let live - or more precisely - live and let fail" philosophy. Instead, she clearly portrayed the masses (specifically those in the Fountainhead that failed to honor Howard Roark) as the antagonist in the novel. Perhaps only Howard himself truly realized this philosophy and not Ayn Rand herself.
If we truly believe that we owe this life only to ourself, then why be concerned or bothered by others?
This, to me, is the heart of the contradiction in Ayn Rand's philosophy and the downfall of Objectivism.
Okay, I've gone way off here from your original concern:
"...but my challenge has been to not harbor any bitterness towards these people, which is against my natural feelings, but something I still think is the right thing to do..."
As I indicated before, this IS a challenge, but it can be developed. For me, the biggest thing that helped was education - as much as I could get. I had to get past the "little knowledge is a dangerous thing" roadblock that was crippling me. The more I learned, the more I realized that I don't know anything really. This led to a certain humility that is very freeing and ultimately leads (I'm not there yet) to wisdom.
Also, because I chose science as my discipline, I truly learned that things are as they are. I cannot impose my will on the data. It is what it is. Upon reflection, I learned that this is most likely true of most things as well.
Seldom.
Posted by adelaide curtis on December 30, 2007, at 23:30:28
In reply to The way some people live depresses me., posted by Michael83 on December 27, 2007, at 0:29:49
this post offends me a great deal..
i would never be able to post such a negative rant without being block...
because you "apologized" in advance does not make this post right...
"...and justice for all"
Posted by Deputy Dinah on December 31, 2007, at 8:58:04
In reply to The way some people live depresses me., posted by Michael83 on December 27, 2007, at 0:29:49
> I apologize in advance if this post offends anyone.
> Important Note: I do not know everyone on here well, but I have never encountered anyone on babble that made me feel negative about the world. I think everyone here is great. I really mean that. It's the dirtbag in a dirty pick up sucking on a cigarette with his radio blasting out some "Metallica" crap at the traffic light that frustrates me.
Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down. It can be therapeutic to express yourself, but this isn't necessarily the place.
If you find yourself apologizing in advance for possibly offending, it might be a good idea to review your post keeping in mind the civility guidelines.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above posts, should of course themselves be civil.
Dr. Bob is always free to override deputy decisions. His email is on the bottom of each page. Please feel free to email him if you believe this decision was made in error.
Dinah, acting as deputy to Dr. Bob
Posted by Dinah on December 31, 2007, at 9:02:00
In reply to .., posted by adelaide curtis on December 30, 2007, at 23:30:28
> this post offends me a great deal..
Please use the notify the administrators function to report posts you believe are problematic. Sometimes it takes a few days for Administration to act, particularly at this time of year, so please be patient.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above posts, should of course themselves be civil.
Dr. Bob is always free to override deputy decisions. His email is on the bottom of each page. Please feel free to email him if you believe this decision was made in error.
Dinah, acting as deputy to Dr. Bob
Posted by Deputy Dinah on December 31, 2007, at 9:45:13
In reply to Please be civil » adelaide curtis, posted by Dinah on December 31, 2007, at 9:02:00
And the other posters who exemplified civility on this thread and helped keep it civil.
Dr. Bob and the deputies really appreciate it when posters do that, so thank you.
Dinah, acting as deputy to Dr. Bob
Posted by Michael83 on January 1, 2008, at 2:29:08
In reply to .., posted by adelaide curtis on December 30, 2007, at 23:30:28
I am sorry adelaide curtis. It is not meant as an attack on anyone. I am simply trying to communication my frustrations and attempt to understand the world not point my finger at anyone.
Posted by Kath on January 1, 2008, at 10:42:32
In reply to Re: You just never know... » Michael83, posted by Jay_Bravest_Face on December 30, 2007, at 2:32:01
WOW - is that ever powerful!
Who wrote that?
Just shows you never know - we can NEVER know why others are like they are.
Kath
We've all seen a man at the liquor store beggin' for your change
> The hair on his face is dirty, dread-locked, and full of mange
> He asks a man for what he could spare, with shame in his eyes
> "Get a job you f*ck*ng slob," is all he replies
> God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes
> 'Cause then you really might know what
> it's like to sing the blues
>
> Chorus
> Then you really might know what it's like...(x4)
>
> Mary got pregnant from a kid named Tom that said he was in love
> He said, "Don't worry about a thing, baby doll
> I'm the man you've been dreaming of."
> But 3 months later he say he won't date her or return her calls
> And she swear, "God damn, if I find that
> man I'm cuttin' off his balls."
> And then she heads for the clinic and
> she gets some static walking through the door
> They call her a killer, and they call her a sinner
> and they call her a whore
> God forbid you ever had to walk a mile in her shoes
> 'Cause then you really might know what
> it's like to have to choose
>
> I knew this kid named Max
> who used to get fat stacks out on the corner with drugs
> He liked to hang out late
> he liked to get sh*t-faced and keepin' pace with thugs
> Until late one night there was a big gun
> fight and Max lost his head
> He pulled out his chrome .45, talked
> some sh*t, and wound up dead
> Now his wife and his kids are caught in
> the midst of all of this pain
> You know it comes that way
> at least that's what they say when you play the game
> God forbid you ever had to wake up to hear the news
> 'Cause then you really might know what it's like to have to lose
>
> Then you really might know what it's like...
> Then you really might know what it's like...
> Then you really might know what it's like...to have to lose
>
>
Posted by Kath on January 1, 2008, at 11:12:23
In reply to Re: .. » adelaide curtis, posted by Michael83 on January 1, 2008, at 2:29:08
> I am simply trying to communication my frustrations and attempt to understand the world not point my finger at anyone.
You know, Michael, that's a mammouth undertaking - attempting to understand the world.
I think the things that affect me in a really negative way from others who I encounter in a day-to-day way are things like:
anger, meanness, cruelty....negative things like that. Even on a smaller scale like people saying something hurtful that they didn't REALLY need to say, or wording something in a hurtful way, when it could have been worded gently.
You know, there are some things in this world that I can NOT even think about....I get too upset (like famine, refugees, poor people either on the streets here or in Third World countries).
The way I deal with those things seems to be by being an ostrich.It's not as easy to be an ostrich & put my head into the sand if, for example, I didn't pull into the intersection when the light first turned green & the person behind me HONKED & gave me the finger or something. If the truck was dirty & the people looked grubby & were wafting smoke & were blaring loud music I could get a way different impression if I was meanly honked at than if grubby people, in a dirty, old vehicle, wafting smoke & blaring music were smiling kindly & waved at me to make a turn ahead of them in heavy traffic.
I guess it can be hard to separate appearances from our preconceptions.
Maybe a good way of thinking about it in the 'HONKing' example is:
"I have no idea what experiences these people had while they were growing up & during their lives. Thank goodness that my experiences & background ended up with me like I am." and then just try to get back to our own self instead of letting it affect us ongoing. That's hard though. If people are mean to me I find it hard not to be affected by it.
Those were just a few thoughts on it. To tell you the truth - I just realized that maybe my depression has an "up" side! I am usually having such a challenge dealing with my worry, anxiety or depression, that I don't get into thinking & analyzing others or to a large extent, the world around me!
I hope 2008 brings us all more Peace in our minds.
best wishes Michael. :-) Kath
Posted by linkadge on January 1, 2008, at 18:00:49
In reply to Hi Michael » Michael83, posted by Kath on January 1, 2008, at 11:12:23
(Well as long as you're not Michael Richards83, I'll take your word that its not a rant. :))
I could fall into those categories, but I'd say you're more demonstrating aspects of OCD than anything else. I mean, other than appearance, poorly dressed individuals can't really hurt you.
The way people choose to dress or look isn't really a good indicator of their subjective quality of life either. Many people live very happy lives yet choose to dress like slobs and smoke etc, and yet many people who dress like celebrities are utterly miserable. It doesn't make sence (to me) to be emotionally disturbed by what is on the outside
Its just that these individuals don't happen to meet your criteria of what constitutes a worthy human being doesn't mean they aren't.
Linkadge
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