Veav
Posts: 150
Joined: 8/1/2005 Status: offline
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The way I put it is "lie to the mind, but never to the heart". I don't have need for blatant lies, but sometimes it is advantageous to be discrete about certain things. For instance, my apartment complex is currently under the impression I do not have cats. This is because they want an exorbitant nonrefundable pet fee for the priviledge - and I've already put down a nice chunky deposit to cover for potential damages. Since these are indoor cats and therefore not causing damage to the property, I see no reason to pay what is effectively a cat tax (and I discussed this with the person in the office before moving in). But that's just a single checkbox on a very long list; no one would lose sleep over it either way. If I know - or even suspect - that it matters to someone, I don't lie. For people I trust and respect, I simply don't need to. My parents know I'm a furry, they have my fursona up on a wall somewhere, and they know I've been exploring this scene too. These people I care for are a part of my life (online/offline, either way) and can accept or learn to accept the impact of what I tell them, or they can not... that's a decision they make on their own. In my line of work, I get a lot of people who call me a liar just because they don't like the truth of what they're hearing. Mind you, I'm not passing judgement on their ability to consciously or subconsciously accept it - they just don't like it, so they lash out. It doesn't bother me... I just say "I'm sorry you feel that way" and keep on going. No huhu, they can hold whatever opinions they want. As for online? I just remember that in the end, this contact is Arial (or Times New Roman, Courier New, etc.) in pleasant formations and nothing more. I don't look for pictures, 'cos how much effort does it take to upload someone else's mugshot? Nil. All men are women, all women are boys, all boys are FBI agents so far as I'm concerned but if they're amusing to talk to and not-boring, I'll enjoy their company. *grimaces* I have my own horror stories of trusting too much... but never mind that. We can't regulate the honesty of others. All we can do is maintain our own, to the extent that our conscience and our situations allow, and decide how our principles will guide us when we inevitably encounter those less scrupulous than ourselves - or those who misjudge our own values. If these people are salvageable, set 'em straight. If they aren't, set 'em free.
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Yes, I am Gordon Freeman. Accept this, and move on with your life.
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