I remember my last day of primary school, and we had this assembly where the headteacher discussed with us about how we were going onto new things, and this was just the start, rather than the end. He also said there were two kinds of people in this world. Those that made changes, and those that went with the flow. Those that would stand up for their beliefs, and those that would keep their heads down, and continue the daily grind. I made a vow that day, that I would not be one of these people who turns the other cheek. If I saw someone hurting in the street I wouldn't simply put my head down and carry on walking, I would make sure they ok. If someone was in need of help, I would give it, not thinking I don't want to get involved in this. I remember I was out on a night out with a friend, and there was this young girl, sat in a doorway crying. She looked like she was homeless, or at least hadn't been home for a few days. She was young though. People just walked past her. The friend I was with told me not to go over to her, I didn't know what she was upto? Well yeah, actually I did, she was someone whos heart was breaking for the world to see, and no one seemed to care. So I went over, my friend stayed behind. I asked if she was ok. Stupid question, I wasn't much use to the girl. She assured me she was ok, and thanked me for asking. I reluctantly left her, wishing I could be more use, but at least I tried.
Not everyone wants your help, or needs it. If someone is reduced to tears in a public place, alot of the time they want to be left alone. They don't want attention drawn to them. I can see why. Been there. but sometimes a reassuring few words can work wonders, or even a simple smile. You'll never know how far a smile can go. What got me on to this subject? Well I was walking down the street this evening. Wondering why I had chosen to wear such a stupid pair of shoes, that made me walk like a duck. When I heard a couple arguing, they were in the distance, and I couldn't hear what they were saying, just the shouting. They were young, and the girl was walking behind the boy. He suddenly raised his hand, and made as if he was about to hit the girl. I was all ready to start yelling, but then they simply started laughing. It was obviously them just playing around. What do you do when faced in that situation for real. Do you simply turn the other cheek?
I don't know this is a tough one. Domestic arguments, are simply that domestics. It takes a brave person to get in the middle of them. If you see a couple arguing in the street you put your head down and keep going. Of course it isn't your place to get involved. It's between them. What when a man hits a woman though? Then is it your place to step in? It may not be appreciated. You could put yourself in danger, so should you still do it. In my opinion, yes. If I saw a man in the street hit a woman, I would be straight there, whether I should be or not. Because that is not right, end of story. I might not be thanked for it. It might not help at all, but how can you just put your head down and ignore that. I'm sorry I couldn't. It may not be life, it maybe nothing to do with me, but when i see another human treated like that of course I step in. That's just the way I am. Right or wrong, it isn't an option for me.