Andrew J. Lederer

How does one keep from bring a bad person? In effect, if not in intent?

How do you reconcile your own needs with the needs of others? When are others needs more important than your own?

Who decides this?

How much can you bend to to others' determinations without betraying the lesser-known but very important commandment (or strong suggestion), "Don't be a schmuck"?

And if you live in a world where assumptions seem against you in the first place, is there any way you can win?

Assert your own prerogatives and people will see you as wrong. Yield to others' perceptions and you throw away that small, undeniable bit of you.

And when you do that -- or when I do that -- the "others" don't seem to care that much anyway.

Except perhaps to feel a kind of victory.

And, if possible, even more right.