Let me start off by saying this: I have always assumed the best in people. I try and find the good parts in them, I often ignore the problematic signs that arise, and I'm the first to give chances to people that otherwise might not deserve one. I desperately want and hope for everyone to be decent people, to live their lives in positive and constructive ways, but here's the deal: not everyone is a positive or constructive person.

People are complicated. Everyone is their own person, with complex thoughts, feelings, and reactions to situations, and sometimes these ideals clash with your own. I stand by the idea that you can't control how people will behave, but it still doesn't change the fact that it sucks whenever people act in ways that you wouldn't dare to.

Simply put, people can be unbelievably shitty. Despite the numerous chances that you can give people, they will still end up disappointing you. They'll kick you when you're down, screw you over when you need it the least, and generally just act in ways that they shouldn't. It hurts, and hurts like a kick in the throat no matter how often or little it happens, but no one can change that this will happen. Inevitably, it will.

It's never fair, or right, or simple, the way that people act. The human race is a complicated and difficult thing, and no one will be able to make it ideal, no matter how hard they try. But here's the thing: there are so many good people out there.

Despite the lying and deceits, the vigor and the betrayals, you will also meet people who will change your life. You'll meet people who will write about you in their essays for college. You'll have friends who will take you to get smoothies so that you won't spend your last day of summer by yourself. You'll find people in your life who are genuine, kind-hearted, wonderful people, and nothing else will matter.

Life is not easy, but hope shouldn't be lost. The thing is, no matter how many terrible, hurtful people there are in this world, there are so many good ones in it too.