Dead Smiles (1999)

I've lived through various relationships so far in my life: Relationships that have died between friends, women, co-workers, teachers, family, and more. In the past, I've had so much hate for some of these lost friends that I wanted to forget everything I've ever known about them. We've all had beautiful relationships that have gone bad, but why destroy the good memories just because we've been hurt? Beauty was there at some point. For example: The picture below was taken with an old friend of mine where the relationship went bad. Does that mean I should forget all the memories and burn the pictures?

I think it would be stupid if I did that. I've hated many people just because things didn't go the way I wanted them to, but I realize feelings like this are infantile. Wanting something your way then not receiving it, and then getting upset because you didn't get what you wanted, I feel is selfish. It's taken me a long time to understand this, but I'm done burning the pictures and being selfish. It's time to grow up. I'm at the point where I now enjoy rebuilding what has been destroyed. I've learned that pain can be beautiful, and beauty can be painful. Everyone can learn and grow by understanding both the good and the bad memories they've had... And still love what has been lost.

I've come to the conclusion that if people don't want to remember the good and bad memories they've had, then why even live life? Remember all and never cover your eyes is what I've grown to think. The people throughout my life have helped me learn and understand all sorts of interesting things. I thank everybody, both the people in my life and the people I've lost. Thank you all for some of the garbage you have helped put into my head.

"... my life has been a long series of interwoven
relationships, both good and bad ... My relationships
are my major source of stimulation, causing me to remain
open, curious, eager to learn and challenged by change."
-Dr. Leo Buscaglia-