Priorities

I wonder what my priorities are. And what the priorities of others are. Seriously. What's important to me never seems as important to others and vice versa.

I always thought that most people would share common goals and priorities. Children would prioritize playing and just being kids. Students would prioritize exams and hanging out with friends. Young adults would prioritize careers and relationships. And parents, their families.

But apparently that is not the case. Just coz I figured this was the common list doesn't mean that everyone sees it the same way as me. In the eyes of most people, my views are rather obsolete. Probably from the Jurrasic era. Or maybe earlier. Even from before there were any life forms on earth. Yea, that sounds about right. THAT era.

Sad to say, most people prioritize themselves more than anything else. And I shouldn't be one to comment negatively, although it would be nice to be able to say "Oooh, look at that person. How selfish can one be?? So different from lovely, selfless me!"

If there's anyone who can say that, please send them back to their dreamlands via the first scheduled volcanic erruption. Thank you very much.

But honestly, although I would want to be selfless, I can't help but be selfish. Why should I do this for that person if it troubles me so? Why should I have to give in to someone else because it would make that person and other people happy? Why should I even bother about how others feel, especially when it's at my expense? Why?

I have asked myself that so many times. And more often than not, I hear this voice saying this in my head.

Because sometimes, you don't always count for everything. Think of what other people give up for you too. And isn't it easier to just live in harmony?

People tell me it's called a conscience. Gah. I think it's just the effects from Asian parenting. The whole, listen to your elders and don't answer back crap that drummed into your head from the time you were born. I am selfish. All humans are selfish. It's in our DNA, I can't do anything about it!

But I like to think that I'm not always so selfish. When I hear my conscience (Asian parenting! Asian parenting! Don't deny it!!) preaching to me, I do listen and think it over. And more often than not I give in. (I can hear the world screaming "SUCKER!!!")

Why?

Because it's nice to care and be cared for. It's nice to know that I'm being loved. And I believe in what goes around comes around. So the more I love and care, the more I'll receive right?

Maybe not...

But it's a nice thought to think about. And I become a better person after thinking so. So, humour me and my obsolete way of thinking.

Oh, and call me sucker only when you know I can't hear you, please.

Thank you!