It is sad when foes fight but there is no greater tragedy when there is dissent amongst friends.

I think it's the easiest thing to do in the world to just whine and complain, and ask, "WHY ME?" It's a common reaction for human beings. Many of us fail to look beyond the 'me, myself and I' syndrome to actually ask ourselves why we have landed ourselves in such a predicament. If we do actually reach this stage, we often paint a flattering self-portrait, that puts us in the place of they martyr who has been made to suffer injustices.

It's not unfair to say that some of us are justified in our portrayals of ourselves as victims or martyrs, but more often than not, we have had a hand in landing ourselves in such positions. When we're angry at others or just don't feel comfortable with what others have done, the most convenient thing to do is to take up the defensive position, and even the offensive, if we feel that we're at the losing end. But let's stop and think...

Is the person really wrong? Could I have contributed to the situation. In any situation, we can extrapolate the cause-and-effect relationship to from the basic chemical reaction. Two elements will not react in a vacuum; it takes two parties to get a reaction.

So, while we're busy being angry at friends, acquaintances or foes over issues - major or minor, let's put the anger aside for awhile and actually consider if the issue is worth being angry over. When we're angry, it's easy to forget the other wonderful things that the person has done for us. We often put ourselves first, thinking that we have done no wrong and are entirely justified in our anger.

Wrong...that's arrogance and an inflated sense of self-importance.

We may have angered the person as well (and in the past) but we won't know if the person has chosen to let it slide or given in because they have decided that holding one bad point amongst your myriad other good points, against you is just petty and juvenile.

People don't voice alot of their thoughts because they don't want to hurt the ones they love.

J.F Kennedy once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country."

It's a grandoise statement that seems silly to apply to our relationships. But think of it this way, friendships/relationships should not be about what the person can do for us. It's not about getting angry over the minor issues. It's about helping each other out and not keeping score. It's about loving people, flaws and all. It's about accepting the way they are, even if we don't understand or agree. My grandmother used to say that it's better to give ten dollars and receive only seven in return.

Throw away the old scoreboard. It's not worth it in the grand scheme of things.

We need to stop complaining and start appreciating those around us.