Some Frank Thoughts on "Doing the Right Thing"
By snivelbec
@snivelbec (135)
United States
July 22, 2008 9:56pm CST
I spent the first half of my life being a good girl - respecting my folks (always have), obeying the rules, getting As, overachieving in my school, professional and personal life. Then, and not without warning (but being a "good girl" I'm not sure I could've even seen the red flags), everything went to hell. I then spent all my 30s doing everything the "bad" way and got into just about everything a person could get into (except drugs - for some reason I've always been anti-drug). Now I'm 46 and I do my best to opt for the "right thing" - simply because that means I can look myself in the mirror and manage to like myself 90% of the time. Is it because I believe in the right thing? Or is it out of self-interest? I am the least self-sacrificing person I know so I think it's the second choice. And does it even matter so long as it's the right thing? What do you do when no one's looking? The reason I ask is that over the weekend I had a situation where I could've come out much ahead financially if I allowed myself to be a wee bit sneaky and underhanded, and I didn't. Does that just make me a sucker? Believe me, over the years, had I done the "wrong thing" I could be a lot better off than I am. What are your thoughts and what do you do?
1 response
@Kellyann627 (342)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I wonder sometimes myself. I always try to do the right thing, be honest, dont cheat people, and to be forgiving but honestly I think the only reward is knowing your a good person. I see alot of people do bad things and they go further, but sometimes they dont. Sometimes Karma is worse then making a few extra bucks. I assure you though that your a good person (we all have a past) and someday it will come back to all of us for being good people.
@snivelbec (135)
• United States
23 Jul 08
Thank you. I know. I had an ex who did everything he could, every single situation, to come out on top. And always did. I "did the right thing" and ended up paying off about $3,000 of his debt after I kicked him out. I know it was the right thing and I know the bible speaks of "rewards in heaven" but sometimes it's hard when you're scraping by and could use a reward right now. And yet, as I mentioned, I feel more comfortable with myself when I do the right thing. I guess it's the whole "free will" idea at work. Too bad "rewards in heaven" won't pay the earthly bills :) !!
@Kellyann627 (342)
• United States
23 Jul 08
I feel the exact same way! I used to work at a small restaurant that had no inventory list at all and no record of what they sold, as well as no cameras. I could have robbed them blind!! I didnt though because I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I had. It amazes me that Karma seems to forget some people who do wrong. I have always been honest. Last year I hit someone's car and I told them.. if I didnt, they would have never known. I paid almost $1,000 for a little scratch and dent. Then I talking to someone who left many cars they have hit damaged and never paid a dime for repair. It seems to me like bad people seem to get away too easily and thats what makes us doubt ourselves. I'm sure there is some kind of reward but as you said it wont pay the early bills!!! It would be nice though to have a little reward for being a good person! :)
