There is something about me.

I have a look, a demeanor that causes people to assume I have authority and power. I do not. I have watched uncomfortably as people hurt themselves trying to be perfect in my presence.

When I share my opinion or perspective people treat my words as though they were facts. They are not. I have watched in horror as people destroyed themselves acting on my opinions,.. then blamed me for their destruction.

When I share my opinion or perspective people treat my words as though they were facts. They are not. I have watched in horror as people destroyed themselves acting on my opinions,.. then blamed me for their destruction.

As a result, I keep to myself and watch from a distance.

Every now and then someone will come to me with questions about a current event. Their questions are always leading,.. or misleading. They are not looking for answers, but justification and permission.

I have no direct experience, I have no direct expertise, and I have no direct authority. So, for me to speak directly about a current event can provoke a catastrophe.

However, I do have experiences in life, I do have a perspective, and I do have opinions. Thus, I take my time to answer their questions indirectly through metaphors and associations.

Mostly they do not understand what I am saying. They only listen for words and phrases that reinforce their beliefs and give them permission. Either permission to do what they already wanted, or permission to attack me… which is becoming more and more often the same thing.

As time goes by, I make it harder and harder for people to reach me. The effort to reach me is a meditative process that requires focus, discipline, and plenty of alone time to think.

Too much work for someone trying to avoid responsibility for their own choices.