It's contagious

When a person gets too close to dysfunctional people they end up dysfunctional.

This is obvious, right?

Of course it is. I just need to remember this.

I trusted people until I was lied to and betrayed by people I loved and trusted. Now I cannot trust myself, let alone others.

Now I find that I am the dysfunctional one causing others to be dysfunctional because I cannot trust no matter how hard I try.

I learned that EVERYBODY is selfish and terrible deep down.
Some are just more terrible than others.

I am terrible too.
But I work so hard to be better.

I must get better.
It's a matter of survival.

Humans are by nature selfish, but they can be selfless and amaze us in beautiful ways. I doubt you are terrible, just human. If humans did not put their survival and needs at the top of the list of things to do, the race would have died off long ago. Our selfishness isn't our most attractive quality but it might be our most important. (((Hugs)))

I agree with Elsa about humans being selfish as a survival trait. I don't agree that all people are terrible deep down. Some are too far at the other end of the spectrum and it makes them victims sometimes. I hope you feel better soon. Sending big hugs.

The funny thing is that the most terrible people do not think they are terrible at all.
Not many people admit they are terrible, but I have a feeling that there are more than a few people hurting others on this planet as they seek their own desires, oblivious of the damage they cause.

I understand that I may not be responsible for my mess, but I am certainly responsible for cleaning up my mess.

We people with a so-called mental health diagnoses are forced to look at our defects; especially those who have been around 12 step programs or other spiritual development methodologies.

It really comes down to knowing what we cannot and can change and what we should change.

One thing is for certain: Things will eventually change, one way or the other.
The course of events will flow with or without our understanding and active participation.

In the meantime I will do my best with how I am equipped and continue trying to better equip myself.

Thanks and Hugs for listening

Wow! Very wise observations. Being aware of selfishness is the surest way to overcome it. Some folks wantonly hurt others without being aware of it. If everyone shared your self-awareness the world would be a better place. I also agree with Elsa & Jennifer, though. Sometimes selfishness is healthy...as in taking time for one's self. As with many things in life, self-improvement is a matter of progress, not perfection. Thanks for posting.

Hi wonderluster, I was hopeful I could locate your post again. I agree that some people are terrible deep down. I've been watching the coverage in Texas and seeing everyday Joes getting their boats and kayaks and jet skis and risking their lives trying to rescue people. There is still good in humanity. Maybe it's rare but there are diamonds in the rough.

its very easy sometimes to lose sight of why you are doing something. I've always felt that that has to come from within yourself rather than from those around you. I hate when people assume that you are a product of your environment and that certain assumptions can be made without even getting to know who you are. It sounds like you've gotten past that point, and are striving towards getting back on track. Thank you for sharing

THANKS! Yes, I agree. I see good in everybody.

We all have good and bad in us.

Our bad hurts ourselves and others.
Our good helps ourselves and others.

All I can do is work on identifying and getting getting rid of the bad and becoming good.

That is the purpose of this life in my very humble, honest and resolute opinion.

That's stretching it a bit. There are folks out there who are warts on the butt of the world - just mean to the core. I understand where you're coming from, though.

Hi emgreen!

I appreciate your replies a lot.

I did not always think there was good in everybody.
I realize that it is a very radical belief.

You see, I have seen the most hideous evil in people who appear as Angels and I have seen absolute goodness in people who appear as Devils.

True Story