Intentions

intention - noun

1. an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result.
2.the end or object intended; purpose.
3.intentions - purpose or attitude toward the effect of one's actions or conduct

Intentions have always been something that I've valued and trusted in people. I believe that most people have good intentions 95% of the time, but because we're all a little nuts, things tend to go awry and often turn out badly despite good intentions. But due to recent events and relational interactions in my life, I'm beginning to wonder if my problem is not idealism or optimism, but the simple act of giving intentions far more weight than they deserve. I still believe that people mean well 95% of the time... but that has no bearing on the likelihood of them hurting me, so why am I so quick to site someone's good intentions, ignoring my own resulting pain?

If he's a great guy who cares enough about his relationships to read people and read arguments and do it well, but he ultimately ends up avoiding conflict and stuffing his emotions, then what good are his intentions if he's still hurting the people around him by disengaging from his own emotions and living like everyone else does the same?

If I say that my intentions are to break my typical guy-crush cycle, but I continue to encourage interactions with a fun-flirty guy who would not make a good mate for me, then what good are they?

I didn't lose 60 pounds and train for a half marathon based solely on good intentions... I actually had to go to the gym, eat well, and run regularly. Intentions are worthless on their own if they lack the effort and actions necessary to bring them to fruition.