Often I wonder what lies beneath the facade of the human race. It baffles me on many occasions how an individual acts a certain way towards you and completely changes in a heartbeat when your back is turned.

I strongly believe that a person's character is defined by 1. The manner in which he introduces himself; 2. What he laughs at or finds humerous; 3. Who he associates himself with; 4. His ambition in life; 5. What he values.

On many occasions, I've been a witness to a person's character. It is true that first impressions do last. However, I believe that this first impression of a person lasts for a reason. As one acquaints oneself more profusely with another, the whole human character interacts, evolves, and engages himself amongst each other. Therefore, from a personal point of view, a first impression could be a point of reference at present time. I believe that people change. People change for the better and for the worst. It saddens me that many people who I thought were my friends have changed my positive outlook on their personhood. It discourages me at times to believe that there are people out there who are genuinely nice people. I grew up believing that I must always keep my guard up with regards to people. That there is always an ulterior motive to a person acquainting himself to me.

Survival of the fittest?
Is life really all about coming out on top? Using whomever and whatever means possible to gain and gain and gain?
When I begin to see the true colors of the many people I've met and thought of as friends, I feel sorry for them. I pity them that life for them is all about personal gain by stepping on others, envying others, cheating, lying, backstabbing, and perhaps just merely using others.

I really don't understand how some people grew up thinking its okay to be two-faced, its okay to use others for personal gain, its okay to spite others.

It saddens me when I lose a relationship with a person I've considered a friend. Truth is, I am quite open-minded and positive about a person's being. I, more often than not, tend to believe everyone is good---I uphold a precious and beautiful image of them in my mind and heart.... However, like in my favorite book by Oscar Wilde--- Portrait of Dorian Grey, as a person pushes the limits to my favor--- lies, cheats, fights, deceives, transgresses---- his image slowly rots until I find no beauty in him... His image becomes so detestful that I dare not look anymore... It has become like this on some occasions and I can't help myself but to feel this way about some people I thought were true friends... Goes to show that our relationships, no matter what kind, must be nourished to its utmost....But we must hold our hearts closely wrapped in security because we never know when our best friend turns out to be our enemy.

I hope people out there, especially those who read this, realize that your life is defined by the LEGACY you leave in people's hearts. It does not matter what material or physical achievements you think you achieve because in the end, our true person is what is remembered by all.... and if we chose justly,we shall not be forgotten.

*No Stress. Life is Good.*