If someone you trust says something, and their words hurt you, why would you ever assume that was their intent?

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When I was in 3rd grade at Fall City Elementary (yes, this was a public school), there was a poster on the wall that had been painted by a previous class. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Jesus said that, and we were taught that you should do that because Jesus said so.

I think this lesson is pretty common in American childhood, and I don't think most people examine it again, but I do periodically, and events this afternoon brought it to mind again.

When people talk about quantum theory and parallel realities, they talk about how each change, each decision, creates a world where A happened, and one where B happened.

So each time you say something cruel for the fun of it, you create a reality where people do that. Each time you take pride in "not pulling any punches," you create a reality where people don't pull punches. Every time you treat a partner badly, for the stated purpose of getting her to break up with you, you create a reality like that. You create a you like that. You create a reality where more people are behaving in that way, and if you don't like being treated that way, if you want people to be gentle when you're hurting, you have to start being gentle when they are hurting.

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good little sixes.

we had ice cream and Bjork for dinner, in bed, as twilight faded. THAT's the way to live. (yes, we'll probably have to go forage for some real food before sleep.)