The Green Line sure is slow, but at least it gives one time to think...

[randomness]

...about a recurring theme of conversation with maedbh7, in particular, and also with cmeckhardt.

Perhaps as we grow older, we become more aware of our boundaries, and more willing to defend them. And although we're also more aware of the reasons why people do what they do, we also realize that they can also avoid doing those same things, whatever the reason. It's possible that having seen people overcome great difficulties, we see more clearly that people retain agency. Problems may explain, but do not excuse, any behavior which transgresses.

We may understand their behavior more easily, but we also remember.

Comments

[redbird]

Related to that, there may be people who can't avoid doing things that I find unacceptable. In such cases, it is possible and appropriate to avoid spending time with them, and becoming entangled with them and their problems. (It may be difficult to avoid them entirely, if your employer hires them or they live next door, but even then there are ways of limiting entanglement.)

[oneagain.livejournal.com]

:)