VULNERABILITY

It's there. regardless of whether you choose to see it or not

I never imagined it, but it was quite a turn of events. So intriguing.

Suddenly, everything transformed, much like a light bulb flickering on. The flash briefly declares its presence before disappearing, similar to how it makes one aware of its existence. The current existed in the wire before it lit the bulb.

Was he aware of it or was he oblivious? Everything appears clear outside their circle of affairs but darkens within.

I was curious why he was that way and had put up with things as they were for so long. It was just that his degree of vulnerability made it hard for me to comprehend how he was being exploited in every manner.

It did not make sense at all, so I spent the entire day and night trying to figure out why.

The key question is if he was merely pretending to be ignorant or if he was truly ignorant and only the light bulb flash could wake him up to the reality of what had been happening in that circle.

I looked at Greg and inquired about his opinion.

For a moment, he was silent as he considered what to say to me or perhaps how to phrase it.

"Are you interested in his vulnerability or why he behaves as if unaware, even though he understands the situation?"

To get a better picture, it will be helpful to know both.

"All right, here's the thing. People frequently become easily vulnerable to the people they care about. Even though it is done out of genuine concern and care for that person, there are times when it even reaches the point of believing they might be idiots for doing so. Such individuals are easily exploited by the very person they care about; they are used and played with until they are no longer needed, the light bulb flashes forcing them to face the harsh reality that, they never meant much, they only meant as much as they are needed.

Individuals who feign ignorance are already caught in the web and cannot easily free themselves. Despite being aware of their manipulation, they still care for the person and struggle to refuse, disregard them, and let them endure hardship. Since they care so much and it will take them a lifetime to extricate themselves from such a situation, they understand their level of significance to that person. It's not that they didn't desire something better or considered giving up at any time.

But do they never grow weary?

"They are not merely exhausted, but utterly worn out. They feel drained and depleted. They experience an overwhelming hunger and thirst, yearning to be fulfilled by that one individual.

Regrettably, these individuals receive first-aid care elsewhere, once they are well enough to handle the offensive music from the person to whom they are vulnerable, they return and become exhausted once more. Until that individual eventually releases them, this keeps happening.

And, guess what? As you are aware, I am never good at guessing.

"Those who seek strength from others to survive are unaware of the harm they are causing."

By that, what do you mean?

"It is easy. You are hungry and thirsty and in dire need of a fill. Since the place where you should get your fill is closed or unavailable, your next action is to go somewhere else. Have you ever considered the state of the store where you went to get what you wanted? Have you ever wondered who owns this, and if no one has chosen to take it, have you ever wondered what the store will be like when I leave, once you feel strong enough to move? You have created a void that needs to be filled, but who do you think will do that?"

Whoa, what a self-centered move that was.

"For this reason, people who have vulnerable others should be accountable enough to keep them safe and not exploit them, as they will be saving not just one but two people, preventing the creation of victims of emptiness on the streets.

Emptiness is a dreadful state that needs to be addressed promptly. If left unfilled, it will influence not only the individual but also everyone they encounter.

Vulnerability is seen as stupidity, but it only takes someone who doesn't always add one plus one to genuinely care for someone. Because the way you handle things will be viewed as stupid and classified as an act of insanity.

These days, it is deemed foolish to show concern for the person who exploited you, and it is deemed unwise to help that person in need.

As the saying goes, "You'd be a fool to support them after all they've done to you." However, the truth is, that every action you take in life is ultimately for your benefit. Those who think they've succeeded in hurting you by taking advantage of your vulnerabilities have unknowingly harmed themselves as well.

They believed that it was prudent to avoid losing at all costs. They do not care how they win; all they want is to win and never lose. It does not matter if someone is harmed in the process as long as they get what they want.

Taking advantage of people who are weaker than them is a simple way for them to get what they desire.”

I was just wondering why that person must be that way. Even though it is written all over that he is being exploited, it seems he has committed to seeing it through to the end. As though he has a task to complete before letting go of everything.

Although genuinely caring for someone is difficult, it is also gratifying to be the reason that someone who was once awful becomes a better person in the future.

"The important thing is that they care, so don't rush ahead. For those who are vulnerable, it's not due to a lack of intelligence or wisdom; it's because they care. The level of emptiness would diminish each day if these individuals started safeguarding the weak by behaving ethically.

At times they are misled into believing they hold significance to someone because they recognize that person cares. If only those deceitful individuals understood that those who truly care for others do not require deception to assist them or address their urgent needs.

It is heartwarming and regrettable how self-centered people can be. The worst of all are people who do not even realize they are taking advantage of other people until it is too late and an injury is unavoidable.

If you do not start considering others from all perspectives and not just yourself, you will eventually become an offender as well."

That made me reflect deeply on whether I have ever exploited or abused someone’s genuine concern for me.

Doubting my innocence, I said calmly, "You have said enough," as I looked at him. Your time is greatly appreciated, Mr. Chairman.

He laughed and shook his head, indicating he was uncertain about how to reply to me.

I grinned and returned to my task.