I am not the smartest guy in the world, but one thing I learned long ago is that someone cannot tell on you if no one knows your business I do not believe in confession, but the last time I told on myself was when I was 100% sure the Statute of Limitations had expired. If unsure, keep your mind shut. Just keep in mind the only two instances where the SOL never ends is cheating on your spouse and murder. No one likes a braggart just as no one likes a dolt who gets in trouble due to his own stupidity.
Now, I am not advocating anyone commit any type of wrongdoing. In fact the straight and narrow would be my recommendation across the board. It may be boring, but slow and steady always wins the race, even if it lacks excitement. Yet, life happens and whether you do dirt of your own volition or just happen to be perpetually in the wrong place or circumstances at the wrong time, none of us live a life of perfection.
I grew up in a place and time where an around the way girl wasn’t just an LL Cool J song. That same idyllic woman was supposed to embody some type of ride or die spirit. All of your family, friends and crew were supposed to ride or die for you. Too many mafia flicks later and I will admit to having drank that Kool-Aid.
I have always chosen to live by a code of loyalty and honor. However misguided it may have been, my life is still dominated by a code, irrespective of whether those around me maintain similar values. Today, I am filled with positivity and optimism, but my faith in people has not always been so positive.
Do not get me to lying, I still do not particularly have much faith in people to be much more than disappointing. Yet, somehow by managing expectations I allow myself to be constantly pleasantly surprised by people.
What I do not do is put people in position to hurt me. My weed free paranoia years might have only recently ended. Yet, even less paranoid, I stand by the principal of keeping my minimal transgressions private. Plausible denial is essentially making sure that you never put family, friends and loved ones in a position in which they can hurt you. Just as importantly, plausible denial, also keeps those close to you from harm or incriminating themselves.
Self preservation is a strong human calling. As much as you may feel confident in the loyalty within your personal relationships, why put people in a position in which they may have to make a choice between their own well being versus your own? The answer is empathically, you do not. Ignorance may not be bliss, but when it comes to your well being, many things are better left unsaid.
