The Theory Of Caring
Good intentions are such hollow, useless things when nothing is done about them.
And sometimes, all our goodness is in our head – completely out of the reach of those who need it.
It’s a fact, many people think about caring.
We think about it so much that we could even assume that we’re doing it.
But no, we’re not.
We ask questions but not the right ones.
We reach out but not in the way that’s needed.
We act to satisfy the do-gooder in us and feel better about ourselves.
We stay on the surface because that’s what people do to be safe, hanging out where someone else’s hurt can’t touch us.
It’s what we’re doing when we ask the question “How’re you?” perfunctorily, hoping the answer will be limited to “Fine.”
Safe, quick and convenient. Nothing to get sucked into.
We’re relieved when we’re not needed to the point that we’re pulled out of our comfort zone.
“Always happy to help” but only on our own terms.
But life is hardly lived on our terms, and we will be needed in ways that will drain us.
It’s always an option though; to be there or not to be.
We can choose to stick with the theory of caring or we can decide to practise it by getting involved at the deep end of feelings and other inconvenient things.
This choice will be the basis for measuring our humanity.