Skeptical

I'm a skeptic. Who knows the reason, but that's just how it is. I wonder what some people's motives are and can't help but make up scenarios in my head when someone is being unusually and uncharacteristically nice to me. This could stem from being played for a fool too many times in my life, but then again I'm not a psychiatrist.

In third grade I learned the only reason one of the most popular girls in my grade invited me to her birthday party was because she wanted the brand new Glitter Hair Barbie. Unfortunately, another girl got her the blond doll, so when I gave her the one with auburn waves (myself being a carrot top at this point in my life) she acted less than thrilled. Needless to say, I wasn't her friend after that and wasn't invited to her party in the fourth grade.

Then there was a teacher once who I had a complete personality clash going on with and that made it difficult if I ever needed any help with the coursework. One day, though, I couldn't quite get the hang of an assignment and I asked her for help. Expecting her to tell me to ask a classmate like she usually did, she surprised me by walking to my desk and showing me herself. Whoa. For the next two weeks I was on my toes, wondering why on Earth she was so dadgum nice to me. I finally did realize that on that particular day, there was an additional student in the class, only he wasn't a student at all, but rather a member of the school's board who was evaluating her performance. It figures. Never again did she come to my desk if I had a question.

Then there was that super cute guy in one of my college classes who asked me to a big frat party. He said to be there about 11 and I was, but I found out that he only asked because he and his girlfriend would need a DD back to his apartment before the sun came up. That night was a waste of eyeliner and double sided tape.

Nowadays I don't trust anybody, but it's both a blessing and a curse. I rely on first impressions and gut feelings when dealing with new people. Usually I'm right, but there are instances when I'm not. Recently, I've been given another reason to question an individual and I really wish I could give the said person the benefit of a doubt, but my gut feelings are interfering. My instinct has been wrong before, but I can't help but think this person is out to hurt someone I love for his or her own personal gain.

So do I sit back and let it happen or try and warn my dear friend of the ugliness I foresee lurking around the corner. People have to make their own mistakes, right? So here I am with one eye on the predator and another on my friend. Let's hope I can help before its too late, or better yet, let's hope my skepticism is just getting the best of me and no tears will be shed.