Today I had some 'deep' discussions with two different people I care about.

One shared that they felt I tend to see the worst in people. The second said I see the good lying below the surface. I agree with both. I think of myself as a series of funhouse mirrors.

I have grown into a bit of a cynic and I am a well versed student of human behavior. According to my Mom I always have been. I can generally see where people fall short and can see what vices they turn to in a time of uncertainty. As a child I learned that some people just use you and cast you aside only to return again when it is convenient. Not everyone is good. Inspite of this my Mother is an optimist and has passed that on to me. I am not nearly the optimist she is but I do try to bring out good in others and pass on tools they can use to build themselves up.

I guess you could say I am a pessimistic optimist. Or you could just call me Oxy-moron.