Does hardship really build character?

[OS]

People always say that, but I don't think it's really true. The last four years of my life have been terrible to me and I don't feel like I am any better of a human being. I've done bad in school, parents on the verge of divorce, had no housing for a period, lost my car, etc. and I don't feel like I'm a better or more resilient person now. In fact quite the opposite, I feel jaded, constantly tired and worn out, cynical and apathetic. So when is the "building character" part supposed to hit? Or maybe it's just a bunch of BS made to make f*cked people feel better.

 

[Urinal Mint]

When the good times come, you'll look back on the "hard times" and realize you're a more resilient person now because of them. I've been through them, and I'm a lot tougher now because of them.

Granted, I'm very bitter about all of it. But I've also come to realize that you make your own luck.

 

[Rage187]

Its tough but it does build character..


But what kinda character it builds is up to you..


"When the world gives you lemons make lemonade.."
Oldy but a goody

 

[OS]

<< When the good times come, you'll look back on the &quot;hard times&quot; and realize you're a more resilient person now because of them. >>



You think so? Like I said, I don't feel anymore stronger and resilient than I was 5 years ago, I just feel more bitter, cynical and sour on my outlook in life.



<< Granted, I'm very bitter about all of it. >>



yeah that's me. I'd rather be a spoiled little b!tch than be the person I am now. I really don't see a single good thing coming out of these times.

 

[yasha]

Well, I immigrated with my folks to the US with literaly $21 to our names. Did it build character though? Hmm...I really don't know. I can tell you this...I'm glad and respectfull that I live in the US instead of any where else.

 

[novon]

yeah

 

[pulpp]

i think it does build character, but like others said, you only see it when reflecting on it in a later time

 

[AMDJunkie]

Maybe cycnicism, apathy, being jaded and tired are all part of your character.

 

[OS]

<< i think it does build character, but like others said, you only see it when reflecting on it in a later time >>



Man, I hope so. I'd hate to look back on these years and realize that nothing good came out of it except sour my outlook on life. :disgust:

 

[OS]

<< Maybe cycnicism, apathy, being jaded and tired are all part of your character. >>



Well, except that I didn't feel that way until this period of my life hit me. Before, I had that can do attitude and felt optimistic about the future. I don't have that kind of outlook now.

 

[AMDJunkie]

See, all this strife and hardship made you how you are now. Now you can say to some idealistic bastard that they don't have a clue about what life is like.

 

[OS]

<< Now you can say to some idealistic bastard that they don't have a clue about what life is like. >>



LOL, yeah I guess I can. That's not really an ability I'd prefer to have, but if it's free why not.

 

[Urinal Mint]

I know one thing, I appreciate the things I have now a lot more since I was in the sh|tter for 6 years while I was in college.

 

[Scrapster]

I think it's total BS. I had a lot of hardships growing up and I'm doing pretty well right now, but I would be doing a lot better if I didn't have those hardships.

 

[Javelin]

Depends. Builds character for some, but I know a few people who just constantly whine about how everything is unfair and their life sucks... I guess some people just never learn.

 

[syzygy]

that is not something that just comes to you as a reward for your suffering. depends
on your perception, your receptiveness, whether your open to the change a difficult
situation may direct you to (as a result of whatever caused the 'troubles'), or if
you're waiting for cosmic welfare to redeem your pain. could your feelings now be
a result of unrequited guilt ?

 

[OS]

<< but I know a few people who just constantly whine about how everything is unfair and their life sucks... I guess some people just never learn. >>



LOL, are you trying to say something?

 

[OS]

<< whether your open to the change a difficult situation >>



Well, I mean of course I try to change things and work at it, but since all these things basically happened a couple months next to each other, one after the other, I always have something trying to drag me down and it's kind of wearing me out.




<< could your feelings now be a result of unrequited guilt >>



Well yeah of course, it'd be nice if I could go back and change things and decisions, but I can't. No point in crying over spilled milk like they say.