human nature

human nature is quite an ugly thing, isn't it? the frequent asked question; are we born good or are we naturally selfish and greedy? why is it so easy to turn to the darker side of our nature?

in the supermarket, anywhere, walk up to any product. start piling all of it into your cart, and very soon you will have curious stares from the aunties hovering around. they will start to move closer, like the hungry wolves testing their boundaries. they will pick up the same product, look at it and examine it thoroughly. why is someone else soooo interested in this thing? this must be a good thing. this must be value for money. no opinion of their own whatsoever, no judgement on whether they need it or what is in the product. if somebody wants it so bad, it must be good, and hence they want it too. the herd theory. or the local equivalent, the kiasu theory. it's also how many housemakers are tricked into parting with their husband's hard-earned cash; greed. a time-honoured trick, announced to the world by tvs, radios, newspapers, every way you can think of, but still there are those that falls in the trap. of simply wanting what other people want. some fight with others for that item on sale, an elbow in the rib here, a push of the hip there, all to get a firmer hold of that red skirt. an item that they have not even tried, much less get a better look at. are they sure they really want it? for all you know, the winner brings the trophy home and shove it behind the pile of clothes that will never be worn. all because of pride.

for men, other people's women are always better, more attractive, more understanding, more sexy, more ... everything; this rings true after many years of marriage of course, when the sparks don't burn anymore. their cars are better, their houses bigger, their dogs cuter... of course, you understand that the person whose wife you are eyeing is in turn eyeing your wife. what you don't appreciate, many are appreciating.

years of marriage dull senses. hearing, eyesight, smell and even taste. you can't hear what she is really trying to tell you anymore. you can't see what's different about her today. you can't even smell the new perfume she has on. but the funny thing about men, when she is suddenly the center of attention, your attention perks up again. hallelujah! it's a miracle. you can see, hear and smell again. you want to 'date' her all over again. cosy candlelight dinners. special attention. consideration. but when she is out of the limelight, she will get shelved behind the forsaken golf clubs and mint-new unused golf shoes once again. just because she will always be there. people want, i want. people don't want, i'm in no great hurry to want.

men, women. all the same. same ugly human nature.