Home Planet: You never know about some people

Some people.

They pass you on the street without as much as a backward glance, without a look or a word. And once they’re past they’re gone forever. It’s like they were never there at all.

But some people come into our lives and there is an instant and permanent bond. Everything about everything is changed forever because we met them.

Some people make you laugh. Just hearing their voice makes you smile. Others make you so sad, even thinking about them triggers the tears.

Some people make you mad.

Some people tell the truth. Honesty radiates around them, shining through everything they say and do. But some tell lies so quickly and so easily the pretty words pour out of them and spill over you until you’re lost in a flood of false hope.

Some people care what you think and value your opinion above all others. But there are those who don’t care if you see them behave badly as long as the rest of the world sees – and believes – the act.

Some people make a real difference in the world and some just make a scene. Some are born with tender hearts and manage to keep them soft. They bruise easily, but they don’t let that keep them out of the game. Others grow tough and mean and make a cruel sport out of battering others.

Some people look at the world with gratitude, thankful for what they have and have had. Grateful even for what they’ve lost. Others cast greedy eyes over everything and nothing is ever quite enough. They fume and fret over what they didn’t get, or what another got instead, until they are filled with envy.

Some people only want what they need, but there are others who need to want. And nothing is ever enough.

Some people make promises and keep them. But some people never promise anything. Maybe is as good as you’ll ever get from them.

Some people love unconditionally. They don’t hold grudges or punish again and again for mistakes made. But some people aren’t so forgiving. They shave their love into paper-thin layers. They ration love, doling it out one tiny bite at a time. They’ll watch you starve before they’ll share any more.

Some people are heartbreakers. But others fill the empty space inside you, the place that was meant for them alone.

Some people lead us and some fall into place behind us, keeping us safe and protected.

Some people are our defenders. They are the shield, the armor that keeps away the arrows that rain down on us every day. Some people look to us for shelter and solace.

None of us was born into a solitary world. We’re never really alone. The trick is to find a way to find our place, and to learn to get along.

Especially with some people.