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Originally Posted by Teri Lacy:
I agree with everyone who says hate is a wasted emotion ... a huge energy suck for sure.  I also agree with Donna and Jann's comments.  

When my daughter would do something awful, and then try to play the sympathy card "You hate me," ... I'd always tell her "I don't hate you, but I really dislike what you've done" speech.  

Hate is pretty interesting though, to the extreme of the emotion spectrum.  Or maybe rather those who give in to the emotion.  I'm not really sure if I can put into words what I'm thinking (bad lupus brain jumble this morning).  French philosopher, René Descartes viewed hate as an awareness that something is bad combined with an urge to withdraw from it.   So then is it somewhat of a defense mechanism ?  I find that interesting ... fear driving hatred ?   Maybe in some instances.

In the end it is really a choice ... who (and what) we give our time and energy too ... and show emotion towards.  I think some are better at it than others.  I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve ... but I'm learning.   I tend to only be affected by those I care deeply about ... the rest, I might get slightly annoyed at but its not going to ruin my day.  I've not got the spare energy for that.

Everything I've read about love, fear, and hate suggests that Love and Fear are polar opposites, and emotions like hate and anger are rooted in fear. So far I believe that to be true. But I find Fear to be fascinating, especially after reading a book titled "The Gift Of Fear" by Gavin de Becker, a very awesome read on the matter.

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I hate situations, not the people in them.
I have a boss that can die slowly in a flaming car wreck, but I don't hate him.