What to Expect when You're Assuming

"Do someone a favor, then throw it in the ocean."

(If only I was throwing the person. Then they could get eaten by sharks.)

My teacher said this to us one day, when explaining something about Confucius. I thought it was an excellent saying. I use that to keep me sane every day. I took it to mean that you should expect anything from anyone. If you are nice to someone, never expect them to be nice back. Or to help you, or to be your friend. You shouldn't even expect someone to treat you with common decency. When you expect something, you think things are going to go a certain way. Then, when they don't, you become sad and stressed and upset.

(And then you do stuff like this.)

At least I do. I was raised to treat people politely, and to not yell, and to not call people names. I was raised to believe that everyone has worth. Others were not. But why should I think that they were? I just live my life based on assumptions, which is not a thoughtful way to live. It also makes me attached to people who maybe don't deserve it. Or it makes me attached to things, or places, or ways of life. I can be more grateful if I do not expect anything. I strive to be happier. I strive to stop making an ass out of 'u' and me (get it? get it?). And I strive to stop posting Condescending Wonka memes and Drake quotes on Facebook.

And on my blog.