Is YOUR Friendliness Just a Mask
“If you simply wear friendliness as a mask, the first stressful situation will unmask you, and people will spot you for a phony…” — Nido R. Qubein
We are always meeting people that seem to be as nice as we could ever meet only to find out through some turn of events they are not who they appear to be on the surface. I have had family members, friends and work colleagues like this and at one time was like this myself.
It isn’t always stressful situations that unmask those with an angry heart. Alcohol, drugs, and money can do the same. I can’t tell you how many times I have seen people who drink and wind up becoming obnoxious and belligerent. Yeah, one moment they were the nicest person, then after a some alcohol, drug consumption, or they wind up with money, they become someone else. They become someone that is angry, that belittle others, and just not fun to be around. On the other hand, I have friends that drink and have money, but are still the nicest people. It is what is in the heart that is coming out once the alcohol, drugs, or money loosens them up to allowing what is on the inside, to come out.
The key is to be a person of character and integrity. This means you are what you are no matter what happens to you or around you. I have had friends and family who after getting deathly sick or terminally ill, became angry and bitter against others and ultimately, with God. They were not who they once appeared to be, for now facing the end of their life, they hated everything and everyone. This is no way to end your life. I know, I have personally faced death on several occasions and again just a short year ago, but I did not wind up hating others or God. I didn’t wind up being bitter and wishing others were where I was and I was where they were – no actually, I was happy all my family and friends were fine. I was grateful for the time I had with the ones I loved.
This different person façade can be seen with many celebrities. It was true of Johnny Carson and funny man Jerry Lewis. They were not the nicest of people and could actually be vicious to family and friends when and if things didn’t work out their way.
Decide to be a person of character. Decide to be a person of integrity. Decide to be one that is grateful for what you have been given with regard to family, friends, and possessions. Then live that decision and allow it to be what is shown to all regardless of what you face or experience.
Best of LUCK as you
Labor Under Correct Knowledge…
Respectfully,
Rick Cox