Integrity among Friends

Originally posted July 9th, 2007

Integrity among friends
Current mood: disappointed
Category: Friends

Recently, I encountered a situation before me that wasn't a mild surprise, but instead, a shock. My integrity was questioned...almost emphatically.

Now to some people, this may not be troublesome, but among the few things that I value about myself and a quality that is endearing to me when it comes to others...I admire it.

Here is a generalization for you:

This society or the people in it seem jaded to a point where integrity isn't even a word that belongs in their vocabulary anymore (if it was ever there to begin with...after all, this country is miserable in the education department, so who knows). Don't get me wrong, I've seen the good side of people...the innocence of a child...and while nobody is perfect, if there is one thing that stands out aside from almost anything...it is their integrity.

It's truly sad to think that you would even need to question your friends...especially ones that you've known for almost 20 years. This could be considered over-dramatic or justified...depends on your perception. (Check out my blog on Perception vs. Reality if you're incredibly bored). I won't indulge any details or toss around dirty laundry, however I will say that after this evening...while I won't say that I've lost a friend...I will say that a friendship was damaged in a way that cannot be easily repaired.

The long and short of it relates to a friend of mine emphatically and almost defiantly questioning me on something trivial. In my eyes...if you're going to accuse a friend, foe. or anyone of being dishonest AND they have a track record...a rap sheet of any kind...more than likely...they will not retort to this because they have wronged and are attempting to cover...as is their modus operandi.

Now if you are a person like myself...and your integrity is put on trial...you are no longer the defendant in the case, you have now switched roles...you are the now doing a bit of your own interrogation. An insult of this magnitude almost forces one to become irate and either return fire or possibly do the opposite and ignore the comment altogether realizing where it came from. However in this particular case...the blood was boiling and the return fire was imminent.

I will make this clear to anyone reading this blog. Most of you that are checking this out have known me for a good amount of years...some maybe less, but I think if there is anything that I have been with all of you is upfront...a straight shooter. Whether the situation was a positive or negative...I'll tell you how I feel. If you feel I've slighted you in any way...please let me know...I never like to feel like I've hurt anyone intentionally...because believe me, that is never...EVER in the cards.

To put a bow on this baby, I'd just like to say to anyone that reads this, (if you even get this far without falling into a coma) it would be to just please...PLEASE...be honest with your friends or family if you have a gripe about ANYTHING. In the long run, honesty will get you a lot farther and you'll have a better sense of self-satisfaction when any and all squabbles are resolved because you'll know that you were as honest as you could be and left it all out there on the table.

Take care folks...

Robby Radio...signing off.....................................................