The Point of Friction

The key issue here is that of responsibility (or lack thereof). Those who have shortcomings and use their identity as an excuse to ignore those flaws do not take responsibility for their actions and tendencies. We should take responsibility for who we are. We should not be lazy or apathetic about our character because that is one of the most important things about us. We can't necessarily change our circumstances, but we can change our response to those circumstances. If we just let our natural self take over, our response will almost always be negative. But people argue that we should all simply "be ourselves" and everything will work out. They say, "This is the way I was made, why should I resist it? Why would something that comes so naturally to me be so wrong?"

Let me put it this way. I would like nothing more than to eat Kraft Macaroni and Cheese for every meal (because it's SO FREAKING GOOD). That is my natural desire for something that tastes good. But if I were to do that my quality of life would plummet. I would become overweight and out of shape and unhealthy. So I resist that very natural urge. The resistance of that natural desire is good and healthy, while the natural desire itself is harmful and unhealthy in the long run.

A more comprehensive and applicable example would be this: I desire relationship. I want to fill the role of a husband and father. I want to love and be loved in return. But I know that it's not a good idea right now. I know that I am not ready to fill that role yet. I'm barely able to take care of myself, let alone another person who is dependent on me. I am still going to school, I don't have transportation, I still live in my parents' home, I have no steady employment as of yet, I'm not mature enough to be the leader of a household. So I resist that natural desire. I've seen what can happen when people who aren't ready for a relationship pursue one anyway. It's not pretty.

Let's all take responsibility for who we are. That means you too Morgan.