Sorry MSH, but you deceive yourself. While I personally have no interest in a romantic relationship, friendship is invaluable. Tell me if I'm wrong, but it sounds to
me like you've never had any truly good friends. While I agree you shouldn't become the friend of every guy who happens to be looking for a buddy, there are people worthy of trust out there. I personally am extremely picky about friends, but I have been able to find good ones.
What's really 'self-deceptive bullshit' is thinking you're perfectly fine on your own, with no friends to turn to. True friendships go far, far deeper than 'worthless infatuation', and I would argue that they give much more lasting satisfaction than almost anything else, at least in my experience.
Do you consider yourself a 'selfish influence'?
If not, then you have to ask yourself, are you considering yourself better than other people? Do not go down that path. It does not lead to happiness, or anything else, for that matter.
If so, than what right do you have to complain about other people? If you are not trying to improve the situation, than you have no right to complain about it.
And while it may feel good to think all humans are just selfish bastards, the world doesn't work that way. You think you know everything about everyone? You don't end up better off on your own, isolating yourself from the world because it doesn't work the way you want it to.
Get off your high horse, and get to know people. You're not better than them.
Maybe you'll actually, *gasp*, learn something from them.
Why would I soil my personal life with the selfish infuences of others, when I can just keep to myself and end up better off?
Possibly because that action is intrinsically far, far more selfish than that of the individuals around you.
Agree. Listen to Vector. She has more experience than me, and while I may disagree with her on some points, I still greatly respect her opinion.