Whether it's a coworker who tries to turn you against someone at work who doesn't rub her the right way, someone you've begun dating who hasn't quite broken up with their ex, or a friend who tries to rope you into gambling or taking drugs, you should never take the bait.
Never allow yourself to get wrapped up in other people's problems. While you certainly can lend a hand, their worries should not become your own. They have to resolve such matters themselves and leave you out of it -- otherwise, you may find yourself shouldering a heavy burden.
Many people who find themselves down on their luck are so selfish as to try to bring others down with them, especially if the latter seem to be doing pretty well for themselves. Misery loves company, to be sure.
In the worst cases, these individuals get some kind of concession out of others, then dispose of them once they're no longer needed. They're nothing short of opportunists who think only of themselves.
Many pretend to be your friends, putting up a facade so that they can be in your good graces.
But once the mask falls off, you realize they only had their best interests at heart all along. Maybe they're envious of your success at work, trying to use you to forget about their ex, or hopeful you'll think or behave as they do so they can feel better about themselves.
Whatever the situation, do not become tangled in their web of deceit. We should avoid these people at all cost. If that's not possible, though, we'd be wise to keep a certain distance.
I'm not saying we can't have good people in our lives who have a flair for the dramatic. But we mustn't forget that people we think truly care about us might just be pretending.
A person worth having in our lives solicits our advice without allowing their problems trickle into our lives.
Even if they may not be entirely happy at the moment, possibly harboring insecurities or being a bit envious of us, they really don't wish to rain on our parade. In fact, seeing us content makes them smile and hopeful for their own future.
Those who exploit others in an effort to make themselves feel bigger and better should be ashamed. They don't know what karma has coming for them.
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