Whether we realize it or not, we all adapt our personalities to suit our environment. We were all born defenseless into our family of origin. We needed to adjust our behavior in order to thrive and to fit into our family. Let’s be honest. Some family trees bear an enormous crop of nuts.

Are you aware that you have a script in your mind? Indeed, we all have expectations about how our lives will unfold and evolve. Oftentimes, we respond to those events in highly unproductive ways, stemming from the worst moments of our childhood.

Ever meet someone who has no earthly idea how difficult they are to be around? He may even have a heightened belief in his own excellence or perfection. No matter how sensitively you deliver the criticism, she will simply get offended or even accuse you of being impolite or rude.

Doing good deeds and giving charity have a central place in our ethical belief system. Do you offer others what they may need if they simply cannot get it for themselves? If so, how? You may think that means money or something material. Sure, you spare that dollar or write that check to your favorite institution before the holidays.

Perhaps you regret having trusted her. Clearly, trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. As they say: It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. And the only statistics you can trust are those you falsified yourself. But truly, whether it’s romantic or even professional, without trust it is simply a matter of time before the relationship falls apart.

In a world full of cruelty and inhumanity, it is noble to strive to be a nice person. You may aspire to be gentle and empathetic to others. Do you go to great lengths to spare others pain? Eventually, however, you may be called upon to make decisions that will offend and be an affront to some.