Aristotle famously quoted - You are what you repeatedly do.
So if someone is repeatedly doing something which is wrong to the common eye, do we tag him as a wrongdoer?
Even if every time he does it he accepts that it is a mistake, but then goes on to do the same thing again, always promising that he would never repeat it.
And what if this guy is a loved one - someone integral to you?
How do you support him then?
Probably the real support that people require is not when they are just weak, but also when they are heading in the wrong direction KNOWINGLY. The question is how?
Do you allow them to stumble so that they can realize their faults or do you try to try tell them what you think is right - again and again?
Logically, the answer seems to be clear - let them take the fall once - let them feel it - and then let them finally decide.
But otherwise, if you know that the fall might be too much to handle, that the person may not be able to get up again - do you let them go on that dangerous road?
Again as I write, I feel that the answer is to let them take the fall and then support them fully when they are trying to get back on their feet.
But can we do like this - can I do like this - how do I let my best friend do something really messy....something which can have serious repurcussions on his life later.
I know the answer - but I myself am too weak to follow it.
I just hope that he safely comes out of all this.
