Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/18/84; site ut-sally.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!cmcl2!seismo!ut-sally!pooh
From: pooh@ut-sally.UUCP (Pooh @ the Utility Muffin Research Kitchen)
Newsgroups: net.singles
Subject: BEING RESPONSIBLE
Message-ID: <2471@ut-sally.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 25-Jul-85 10:10:33 EDT
Article-I.D.: ut-sally.2471
Posted: Thu Jul 25 10:10:33 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 26-Jul-85 04:51:06 EDT
Distribution: net
Organization: U. Texas CS Dept., Austin, Texas
Lines: 50


I cannot believe some of the things I'm hearing
in connection with this topic.  Greg, it is fine
for you to talk yourself out of being depressed,
but recognize that you are subscribing to a
belief that is JUST THAT--a school of thought
propounded by a seminar that you happened to
attend.  Do not be so presumptuous as to
expect everyone else to work the same way.

I would like to see those self-actualized
people out there try to cheer up a depressed
friend by saying, "This is all your fault, you
know.  You could be happy if you really wanted
to."  

The only hint of concern for other people that
I've heard has come from Bruce Israel (who is
a genuinely nice guy in person too).  At least
he talks about trying to make the world around him
a better place--which includes looking to SOME
EXTENT after those things that he can affect.
Like the emotional welfare of friends.

Greg, you say that letting someone have complete
responsibility for his own feelings is not the
same as refusing any responsibility yourself.
I disagree.    I think it is a great way to
kick back and say, "Hey, I'm not responsible
for your feelings--you are.  I'm responsible for
me, you're responsible for you. . ." and ignoring
the fact that we humans are all dependent on each
other--as an organism, if you like.  

I realize that I can't be responsible for all
the feelings out there, but dammit, at least I'm
out there doing what I can!  If I can choose a
kinder way of saying something so as to make
someone feel a little better, I'm going to do it.
If someone just needs someone to listen to him,
or to offer sympathy, I'm going to do it.
That's the LEAST we can do for each other.

Pooh

purdue-ecn-cb.ARPA      pur-ee!pooh

Sie boppt, er boppt, wir boppen. . .
Elle boppe, il boppe, nous boppons. . .~
    (try that on for size, Ms. Lauper!)