Maybe it would be easier if they weren't granted, in a way. Not easier to go through life, exactly; it's hard not to have what everyone else does, to be different, to stand out. But easier because there would be something to think about, to concentrate on. Some small source of misery that blocks out the larger source that is life in general.

It might be easier, were the small things completely denied.

But sometimes, often, they are granted. Not because they've been earned, not because they are needed, certainly not for the pleasure of the one receiving them. Rather, it's a reminder. Awareness forced, the realization that everything, even such little things... controlled. Measured. Rationed. No choice, not to have them and not to refuse them.

That's the lesson here. Not to refuse a gift. Kindness, mercy, they are rare, and certainly in other areas this is taught as well - when you are granted a comfort, however small, however unnecessary, be grateful. Savor it.

Because it WILL be gone, sooner or later.

It's a fairly simple lesson, and yet so very hard to teach. Hard to get across to stubborn pets who think that it's more fitting or more fun to be denied - fun? It always amuses me that there are people who believe that submission or dominance is 100% fun, all the time. Maybe it is, if it's only a game, only part-time, a few stolen sexually-charged minutes here or there and then you go on with your life. But... when it's deep, when it's real... it's not so easy, then. Sometimes what you need, what your opposite needs, isn't the easiest thing. Certainly not the most pleasant.

When it IS pleasant, when it IS easy... enjoy it if you can.

- - -

In other news, I'm mildly worried now. Two lines fell through. Two plans down the drain. I'm running low on alternatives. This, oh reader, is why trust can be foolish: if you do it once, you're more likely to do it again, and again, and onward until you have trusted the wrong person and the wrong time and are royally screwed over. *sighs*

I wonder why people trust me.

I wonder why I trust them.

But I keep doing it... perhaps because a rare few truly ARE worth trusting. That's the catch; no matter how untrustworthy most people are, there's always a few who can make you change your mind.