Hi Thomas
First off, I want to say, I agree with Dan.
William Shakespeare said it first and best, "This above all, to thine own self be true." If you fail there, nothing else matters.
Believing in yourself - AND having confidence in yourself, not hiding behind someone else's identity or picture....
Seems alot of this topic is going around. And I know there are some people around that are trustworthy.
But, you have alot of folks around that are not. It's being able to figure out the ones you can and the ones you can't trust.
I've seen some I wouldn't trust my dog with. And then I have seen some who I would trust with my own kids.
These is alot of dishonest people on the internet, and they are out there looking for cullible people.
I have usually found, that people out there begging for help, usually are abusing people's sympathy. I call it poor mouthing.
If a person is truthfull, they usually rely on prayers and a little help from their friends. But, there are those who go overboard, and really abuse the trust you have in them, and use that to gain your sympathy.
I mean, if you pay close attention, you can usually read between the lines, in most instances.
I would have to say, in all honesty, that I have had some hard times, but I never went around telling people, I need this, will you help me.
It's all in the need. Is is food? Is it shelter? These people I see are not looking for these things. They are looking for handouts. And this tells me something about that person right there.
I think I've said enough on this subject. I could go on and on, but won't.
Bj