Once upon a time, a kind man was walking down a path and he came upon a snake at the side of the path. "Oh, please Mr, could you pick me up and help me get warmed up, for I am very very cold and don't think I will make it unless I get warmed up." "Well", said the kind man, "if I pick you up you will bite me."
"Oh no" said the snake "I won't bite you, please pick me up and help me".
The kind man picked up the snake and tucked him into his coat for warmth. As soon as the snake warmed up, he bit the man.
"You said you wouldn't bite me" said the man.
"You knew I was a snake when you picked me up."
Moral of the story? When someone shows you what they are...believe them. A snake is a snake, can't change what it is so it is his character we have to deal with. The kind man knew it was a snake and knew the snake could bite but he believed or should I say wanted to believe that the snake would also be kind because the man was being kind to him.
The snake was right. He was a snake, and the man knew he was a snake when he picked him up. You cannot change a person's character even though you think if you are nice to them, they may be nice back. Doesn't always work, because sometimes you are dealing with a person of no character and they will bite or sting any chance they get.
Sometimes people have mental problems you aren't aware of, but know that they are a little "off the beaten path" so to say.
A snake is a snake and will bite.
But you knew that, didn't you.
Mary Welch-Broker/Owner Preferred Choice Realty Harper, Ks.