Take a step back...

You would think that once you find someone (anyone, a friend, relative, acquaintance), that you respect and with whom you are at the same level of understanding so that communication is entered into with ease... you would think that dealing with them is easy and logical. However, when it comes to the various games that people play, you again find that the same someone is no longer just a friend, but maybe also a counselor who you would rather not disappoint, or a person whose accomplishments become a yardstick by which you measure your personal growth, or a rival in affections for a grandparent, or a million other roles - most of them being subconscious. So, here's where it should be easy to step back, analyse and respond to situations in a cool, rational manner which leaves no room for misunderstandings. However, unemotional responses can be misconstrued as uninvolved relationships, rational responses can be taken as superior insults... Jeesh! what is a person to do! Stepping back too far? I'm quite certain it can only lead to insanity...