intention and deceit

people want to have good intentions. and often, they do.

but as with all things human, the reality is blurrier than that.

we ourselves can be tricked by these intentions. disguised as selfless, acts of kindness can be like a shield from responsibility.

how quickly we devolve from the purest aims to bitterness and spite. in the absence of our expected response, we quickly change strategies. and if we're not careful, this entire process can happen without ever really processing why.

we cling to our moral compass, if for no other reason than to justify our actions. to make ourselves feel better. to absolve us of taking ownership over our true intentions, and instead place the blame on others.

we build up expectations, often unprepared for others to react in a way we're not expecting. hurt, we lash out, place blame, revoke our kindness without ever really stopping to ask if it was real, or if it was yet another convenient story.