One of the things I hate the most

is self-pity. Forgive me for going on a rant about this but I'm not sure I can keep this in for much longer. Lately, a lot of people I know who don't really talk to me on normal days have been coming to me not because they really want to spend time with me but just because they feel bad about their lives and need someone to rant about it to. And whenever I say something realistic or un-pitying I am made to feel guilty or cruel. Well, I cannot pity you because if I were to pity you, I would lose all respect for you and I would rather you hate me than I pity you.

Sir Leoncini once told me, back in my freshman year of college that "if someone pities you, it only means one thing: they're glad they aren't you and they wouldn't want to be like you". And I agree with that. I loathe pity and self-pity; it's like telling yourself that you're worthless and asking everyone else to agree.

I believe in empathy and that I can offer. I understand loneliness and how it can burn a hole so deep in your heart that it seems bottomless. I get that. I also understand wanting to hang out with someone and needing someone to talk to. But please, don't make me feel like I am obliged to feel bad for you. All that pity does is make people weak and they rot from the inside if you pity them. Pity is selfish. It makes people depend on you so that when you're gone they fall apart. Lastly, don't only contact me if you have a problem. I am not your guidance counselor. I would like to hear about the good things too. Don't call me and harp on me for not calling you when you're the one with all the free time. Telephones work both ways.

Gah. Sorry. Today is a bit of an off-day. My head is aching. And I need to go get food.