You ever speak to someone who is talking about someone they love, someone they’re obligated to say something positive about, even if they’ve done horrible things?  They will follow up their statement with, “But deep down inside, he’s a good person.”  I’ve always wondered what that means.  What is the significance of that statement?  How do you quantify what makes someone a “good” person as opposed to a “bad” one?  Is it easy to do certain things to automatically classify you as good or bad?  Is there a sweet spot in the good/bad continuum?

Should we just admit to ourselves that we love horrible people?  Or that sometimes not-so-great people make us feel good, or loved?

I overheard a conversation once.  This girl was talking about this guy she was dating.  He had just recently gotten out of jail.  I don’t know for what.  How snoopy do you think I am?  Anyway, she was saying, “He’s a good person, though.  He pays his taxes.  He buckles his seatbelt.  He feeds his dog.” Really?  So this guy didn’t have to try all that hard to be good.  Basically, all he had to do was do things you’re supposed to do if you’re living in a society.  Was it any single one of those things that made him good, or was it the combination of all three?  It seems she defined behaving responsibly with being good.

Playground Days

If you’re lucky enough to stay in contact in your adult life with a childhood friend, you find out that some of these folks don’t turn out so good.  But, your friendship with them has gone on so long that it’s easier to just keep the momentum of the relationship than to sever any ties.  But deep down, they’re good people, right? Are they good because they value your friendship?  Are they good because when you’re with them, you manage to have a good time?  Maybe they’ve stolen from parents, written bad checks around town, gotten multiple girls pregnant and left them, but they visit you in the hospital when you’re sick.  Maybe even bring you chicken soup, and play trivial pursuit with you.  Deep down, they’re good, right?

Someone tell me what good is!