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A lot of people do bad and stupid things over and over...
and insist they are still the same good person. Almost every single one.
If you go out and murder people one after another, you are a serial murderer whether you feel like you're actually ok underneath it all.
If you abuse people or animals or drive too fast, you are those things whether you think so or not.
The answer is in forgivness of yourself and by others...and to move the hell away and change your name. (Anjd, incidentally, stopping your evil ways!). Asking your victims, if any, for forgiveness is the ultimate egotistic victimization; if they're going to do it, leave them to do it without your pressure and not for your gratification. Suck it up and feel the guilt.
But, as Forrest Gump's mama said, "Stupid is as stupid does"; ditto cruel and evil, or good and "right".
PS: If you just drive too fast, you can usually skip that moving-away and changing your name bit.
posted by
majroj
on August 9, 2005 at 10:23 PM
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I think that as long as do something only because it needs to be done and not out of any vindictiveness then you must do what you must do. Try to cast yourself forward to think of the possible outcomes of each action. Good luck.
And no I don't think that it makes you a bad person
posted by
Azur
on August 7, 2005 at 5:50 PM
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Well, Mikey, you know now I have friends who not only will move the bodies---but who can make the bodies. It's a wonder I'm not a total power lord having this going to me head.
I'm glad you're back so we can have one more thing we don't do together.
posted by
terpgirl30
on August 7, 2005 at 5:45 PM
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Wow, you actually heard me
I sort of missed that one being heard.
You wouldn't be happy with doing the vindictive things you can do. But hey, isn't that what friends are for? You know the line, friends help you move, real friends help you move bodies.
posted by
mikea18
on August 7, 2005 at 12:35 PM
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Timmy,
Mom wouldn't talk. I have dirt on her. Where do you think I get this from?
posted by
terpgirl30
on August 7, 2005 at 7:22 AM
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Terp
Busted!! I've been talking to your mom.....you know, asking her about you......LOL
posted by
TIMMYTALES
on August 6, 2005 at 11:20 PM
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Smart
I think you nailed it. I would tell my best friend something about my ex..."He doesn't act like this. He doesn't do stuff like this." Mike would stop me cold and say, "This is who he is." He would tell me over and over that if a person acts that way, they are that way. Period.
posted by
terpgirl30
on August 6, 2005 at 11:10 PM
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OMG, Timmy
When I was a teenager, my mom would go by my bedroom door at night when the lights were off and whisper "Sybil" under my door. She's always said I have dual/several personalities. I was horribly shy growing up which is why I more or less forced myself to become a reporter. I knew I'd learn how to talk to people before I'd get a C in a class. It worked.
Mom was at my home about 5 years ago, and I had to do an interview. She literally walked into my office and stared at me because she didn't recognize the voice. I drop it several octaves when I'm working, and the speech pattern changes.
How funny you said that!
posted by
terpgirl30
on August 6, 2005 at 11:09 PM
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TERP
You could probably get away with it as long as the old you does not get introduced to the new you.........and you would have to change your name to Sybil.
posted by
TIMMYTALES
on August 6, 2005 at 9:38 PM
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Terp
Every decision we make either strengthens our current beliefs, or forces us to take on new ones. Personally, if it's unsettling, then I'm a lot less likely to do it.
As far as the people who seem to to do things against their "character" (if that's what you mean), then a) it'll eventually catch up to them, or b) they really aren't who you think they are in the first place.
-smartdog
posted by
smartdog_670
on August 6, 2005 at 9:32 PM
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All
Yep, and that's what I thought. I'm pretty settled with what I'd do for me. I was asking more of a rhetorical question of others. The people I've spoken with mainly act like it wouldn't be a big deal for them. I return to stores to apologize to sales people I've been short with. It would kill me, so I've come to the conclusion that, for me, I would lose me. I'm amazed at how others do it and I always wonder how they rationalize it. We're not talking "Donner Party" thing here. Life or death things surely precipitate a different level. When it comes to monetary stuff or even just revenge stuff, I'm not sure I could ever justify it in my head. The pain is, I know what to do to cause mayhem in the best ways. There's a part of me that wishes I could work myself up to doing it, but I've come to a place where I like me, even if it means taking lumps, if that makes sense. I remember telling my daughter back when she started grade school that she would be the picker or the pickee. I told her she'd feel horrible along the way being picked on, but if she had any sort of conscience, she'd like herself more than if she became the kid who terrorized others. I guess that's what I try to stick to. So how do you suppose others do it and go on to smile and conduct business as usual?
posted by
terpgirl30
on August 6, 2005 at 8:39 PM
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terp,
Think about it this way. If you felt unsettled about your actions, you obviously have the wisdom to know the difference. Lesson learned, experience gained.
posted by
SpitFire70
on August 6, 2005 at 8:18 PM
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You could go back to being you because no matter what you did, you aren't ever NOT you...but semantics aside...if you know you would harshly judge yourself for doing something you thought was wrong...then you shouldn't do it, period.
posted by
Julia.
on August 6, 2005 at 6:01 PM
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I think you need to be true to who you are and if doing this thing bothers
your conscience on any level, religious or not, you will not be happy with the outcome.
posted by
Ariala
on August 6, 2005 at 5:53 PM
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