Remember the times when we dreamed of making lots of friends when we grow up? But it is while adulting that we realize having a small circle of people with whom we can be ourselves is always better for us. We realize that it is only them who will accept us the way we are and they are truly the people who deserve our love, time, and care. This realization is a turning point in life and most importantly it is the result of what we call the ricochet effect. Fortunately, the ricochet effect comes with a lot of realizations about ourselves and others. And the way towards our solution begins with them.

So it's time to confront the brutal truth or the last piece of our puzzle. The solution to our much-awaited question is a realization: people always have the exceptional talent to disappoint you in the most unexpected ways. It could be your parents, friends, family, or anyone you consider near and dear to you. Sadly, the truth is bitter most of the time. Didn't you feel that excruciating pain while you tried being there for or helping someone, who you never thought would hurt you by any chance, but unfortunately you ended up being misunderstood and in pain with the knowledge that whatever you did for them meant nothing at all? Didn't all your trust issues start from there?

We have been trying to find a solution for stopping the ricochet effect from happening. But let me tell you one last brutally honest thing; we can't stop that from happening, especially if you are someone who cares about others. So what can we do? Over the last two posts on the ricochet effect, we tried to understand the process and have some insights. We know it's hard to implement the things mentioned in them, as life is always unpredictable. All we can do is, with the realizations and insights we have, lessen the pain and suffering that comes along with this terrible predicament. We know we might burn our fingers if we touch the flame of a candle. This awareness comes from our experience and knowledge that if you touch fire, it could burn your skin. Similarly, we make use of the insights we gained to avoid or lessen the possibility of the ricochet effect without compromising the goodness in us.

We now know how we end up in negative situations while helping others; getting emotionally involved, pushing our limits while dealing with it, etc. Sometimes there need not have to be a problem at all; you be yourself, people heal with that presence and then they backstab you. In all these cases, when we are prepared for such situations, i.e, having this realization at the back of your head that people can disappoint you no matter what you do, you become immune. So even if you end up getting hurt in the process, the pain would be lesser since you knew people were going to let you down. 

But trust me, even when we know this all, we all mess up sometimes. At times we shut ourselves completely from everyone after a terrible episode of the ricochet effect and it takes time to recover. We start questioning our own nature and decide to change. But please don't change. I am not telling to let others exploit the goodness in you and let them take you for granted. The reason why this world subsists and continues like this, and there is hope that things will get better is because people who care about others exist. We are living at times when empathy is slowly fading but at the same time, we are constantly reminded that we can't go on without caring for each other. So take care of your kind and loving soul, never compromise it nor push its limits for others who prove they don't deserve it. Don't let others shatter your heart, be kind to yourself and save all the love you have for yourself.

I want to remind all who read this blog that we all have terrible experiences amidst life's unpredictability, we will get hurt and people will let us down all the time. But learn from the mistakes we made and make sure we never make them again. And if you are someone who has a person who values, respects, and takes care of you every time, be it your good times or bad times, always be grateful for them. They might be making themselves available for you when they are also having their struggle. Their mental and emotional well-being is also important. So be there for each other. Take care people. See you with another post.