Who's Better Than Whom?  Faced with our current situation, my husband and I pondered what qualities would lead someone, or society, for that matter, to think that one person is 'better' than another. We considered so many variables. It's weird; there is a person named Jason Chambers, a dear friend/first student of my instructor. Now this person I would truly expect not to give me the time of day. I would have expected that given his stature on so many levels. Not so! He takes the time to talk to me and my husband () and instantly added me as a MySpace friend when I asked. Why? First, he is nice to people, no matter who they are. He's not a snob even though he has every reason in the world to be a snob. Secondly, he is a true friend to our instructor. If we are a friend/student of his good friend/instructor, then he's going to be nice to us. Is it upbringing? Self-confidence? There are people that I know, some in my other class in fact, that are definitely 'better' than I, yet they don't treat me like that at all!  I also don't judge people by whether or not on some collective rating scale, I am indeed, 'better' than them. Not unless challenged or provoked, that is!

On the one happy note, I have been accepted as a MySpace friend by my own former martial arts class' site. I saw that and I just started crying and crying. My ego is so shattered that I honestly have lost touch with reality. Imagine me thinking that I was not even good enough to be a 'friend' of my own class' site. Honestly no one has the right to make me feel like I have to beg to talk to them. That's what my husband says and he is right. What's wrong with me that I'm not good enough to hang with another classmate.Why do I have to hide in the corner? No reason! Not like my challenger is actually going to show up on the society page or win the Nobel prize. Not like the places they hang out are exclusive or anything. For one thing, 101 relatives of mine fought in the American Revolutionary War. I've had ancestors that were generals. At least I don't judge people that I don't know. At least I try to give all people a chance. At least I treat all kinds of people with respect.

It is generally accepted that martial arts instructors are supposed to be role models, especially for kids. Whatever happened to the 'friendly, supportive' training atmosphere? I know if it were me, I would not be allowed to get away with such behavior, but then, of course, I wouldn't treat people like that because, of course,  I am a 'better' person.