Have I changed much??

We all change over time; some mellow with age while others just get increasingly angst-ridden. But delving into a personality change is psychotic stuff and I will restrict myself to simple things you thought were important to your belief system once. Admittedly all change is good and if we refuse the gradual changes in our perspective, we let ourselves fall into a rot.

Earlier I judged people harshly who drank alcohol in any form, often extrapolating their fondness for alcohol as perversity of character. Now I understand that, as long as you are not a hardened alcoholic, it is fine to have some in social situations.

Earlier I sincerely believed that you fall in love only once and should be involved in a relationship only if you wish to marry that person. Experiences have taught me that things aren’t that straight forward. Moving on is an important part of your life and sometimes one does not get the things you wish for; even for no fault of yours. That’s life.

Earlier I thought physical affection was only supposed to be expressed after marriage. Premarital sex was taboo as hell. Now I am more accepting about physical affection although for some inexplicable reason, I still maintain a distance. But one-night stands are still a strict no-no.
Earlier I passionately hated smokers; considered a disgusting habit. Now I just hate smoking not the sucker at the other end of the cigarette. I just prefer that they keep their smoke out of my face.

Earlier I considered people with lesser intellectual abilities to be lowly mortals. That only enhanced my arrogant snobbish image. Now, when I have seen enough humble beings with far superior intellect, I have realized that it is not how much you know but rather how you use it. But I still am impressed with people with proven skills and abilities; I just don’t despise the ones who don’t.

Earlier I had a low opinion about homosexuals and considered their sexual orientation as despicable. Now I consider their demands to marry and co-exist amicably as an undisputable right and heartily support equal status for gays and lesbians in all walks of life.

Earlier I believed that your career and earning a livelihood was everything. Rest all falls in place. Now I know that life is not sequential and multi-tasking is not merely a quality that you cite in business interviews. Everything goes hand in hand and often happens almost at the same time.
Earlier I believed that you should have your life planned out down to the last detail. You should have a clear idea of what you want to do in life and everything should fall in place sequentially, leading to your ultimate goal. Now, I know that to make God laugh, just tell him those plans. Things happen albeit for a reason and at time you are put on hold for much longer than you anticipated. You can only give it your best shot and hope for things to fall in place. But I still believe that my destiny is in my hands.

Earlier I believed in the importance of education and thought that you can never stop learning either in school or from personal experiences. More time you spent in academics always helped you in the long run. Now; .wait a sec, I still believe that.