Email: Good Samaritan ethic [AS]

Actually when I see all these people who make poor decisions for their lives, I think that being (as you put it) a hardass is the only way to go. Some call it tough love. Emotional involvements should not enable drama, codependence, and abuse. That's like staking yourself out in the desert with barbecue sauce slathered all over your skin (for the buzzards). On the other hand, I'm torn, because people who have been emotionally manipulated and excavitated (had the heart or core ripped out) don't see the abuse that is obvious to an emotionally balanced person (or someone who has gone through the abuse and come out armed for bear on the other side). I think the Good Samaritan ethic requires us to tell and exhort these people to get out of such relationships; but it may require someone who understands how to reach them, and even so, they may choose to remain in the comfort of their pain rather than to face the challenge of discovery and renewed growth. Their choice; but it can be presented to them.