I assume the best of people and even if they've been idiots, I keep an open mind. Is that "fickle" though, or optimistic or what? I think I've never met a person I couldn't like. Not to say that I'd want to be close to everyone, but I see value.

When I was 12 or 13 I knew this kid who was troubled--he had spent some time in juvenile prison (or whatever it's called) and I remember clearly seeing such a ball full of energy in him and thinking that he could change the world if he could harness it in the right direction and while everyone else called him trouble, I had a strong feeling of hope regarding him. I don't even know what happened to him. I think he was transferred to another foster home and left the area.

p.s. when I look back on that kid, I realize he was SLE. lol