one of the more interesting assignments we did in creative writing was that our teacher gave us a mask coloring sheet and we were asked to write words that defined how we act when we're around people- our own "mask" for life

as a whole, it was mostly positive stuff everyone wrote- "happy, friendly, fun"

however, on the back of the paper, we were told to write whats "behind the mask", aka, how we actually feel on the inside.

after that, we had to crumple up the paper and throw them in the center of the room. we all got up and grabbed a random paper and read it out loud

and...holy crap. it was all anonymous, luckily, but it really opened my eyes. on the front it would say "calm and happy" while the back would say "depression and anxiety" "loving" and then "two-faced" "happiness" and then "hatred"

guys, you really dont know what is going on in someone's head. you dont know their story, you dont know what they come home to everyday. you just dont know.

especially online- all we know is what someone puts in a text post. thats it.

it just doesnt click with some people that there are PEOPLE behind the screen, behind the web handle. "fancysnake" or "[insert your username here]" isnt a string of code. we're real, breathing people that has feelings just like yall.

it's so easy to forget that. it's so easy to just disregard an online persons entire PERSONHOOD just because you cant see their face. being online takes the blame away from you. you cant see a person cry or get upset, so it's "okay."

do you know why i preach respect and kindness so much? yeah, its a religious thing, but i also have a shred of sympathy, ya monsters. just because someone makes a dumb post doesnt mean you can attack them into oblivion on wattpad or whatever. just because someone pisses me off doesnt mean i have to post vague crap abt them and crush their dreams. insult what they love to do, what they like.

BECAUSE FOR THE LOVE OF CRAP THESE ARE P E O P L E. annoying, mean people? yeah sure. but you have NO IDEA WHAT'S EVEN GOING ON

YOU GET ONE SIDE OF A STORY. ONE. YOU DONT KNOW WHATS GOING ON, GUYS. YOU HAVE NO IDEA.

someone made a dumb comment? thats not good...but what were the circumstances? bad days and bad moods happen. for all you know, they coulda been in an awful mood because their father just died. because someone just ran over their dog. because they just got bad news from the doctor. maybe their parents take out their stress on them.

guys, all im saying is to practice some empathy. before you lash out at someone, just...think about it. calm down.

this isnt @ one specific situation (but i did have some in mind), but it's still very very important

just be nice.