So true, Emily. I can't tell you how much this relates to my current situation. Sometimes I wish I had phone numbers (don't worry, I'm not asking) of some members here so I can elaborate. It's a strange world when some people you've never even seen are better friends than people you've been around for months. I wish I could hate. I don't know what that feels like. If I could learn to be vindictive and spiteful, I would be happier and more successful.   I am so depressed. As Satre wrote in his play No Exit "Hell is other people."

When I find myself disliking a person or something about them, I take that as a personal challenge to learn to like them. I can usually at least find some empathy by looking within myself for the very same quality that I dislike about them. If I'm honest with myself, I don't have to look too hard for very long. When I become perfect, I'll start demanding perfection from others. No danger of that will exist any time soon.

I try to like everyone, but it's not easy. I don't know what kind of work you've been in, aye, but sometimes people are cruel and ruthless. I don't demand perfection, just kindness and understanding. Even then I really don't expect much. I've seen so much lying and cheating that I can't sit back and smile all the time. However "hate' is a strong word. I've forgiven the people who have hurt me, but that doesn't mean they are my friends. Some people are just plain mean.