I don't get it.

I have either studied or worked in the field of public relations/communications for a number of years now. I am generally a good reader of people. I notice subtle body language, tone of voice, facial expressions...or so I thought.

Turns out, despite my study of the "art of people," I have realized that, in truth, I don't know a damn thing about them. I am constantly confused by the behaviors of our species. I don't understand why people do what they do, why we deceive, why we hurt others, why we think it's so cool and fun to mess with each other. I have witnessed examples of this throughout my life. I have also witnessed examples of people doing good for one another and I find myself wondering if they have an ulterior motive of some sort. Do people do bad AND good things to others to somehow feel good about themselves? Do people think, "Ha, I have the upper hand in this situation, so I'm going to screw with this person because it'll make me feel more powerful and better about myself", or "I'm going to do this good deed for this person so I can cancel out the bad thing I did yesterday in the hopes of feeling better about myself"?

I haven't lived very long, but in the 26 years on this planet I thought I'd have some clue as to how we operate. Or, maybe I do deep down, and it's just too difficult for me to accept that people are out only for themselves. I'm no saint, that's for sure. And I've done many characteristically bad things in my life; things I'm not proud of. But I like to think I give people a fair shake the vast majority of the time. I try to reserve judgement until that person proves to me what he/she is made of. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed lately there are just so many people out there that don't even try. They don't want to be fair. And that's what I don't get.

I dunno, kids...just thinking out loud...it's been a trying few days/weeks...