Sometimes you cannot avoid labelling because most people label themselves anyway. As I’m writing this, I remember attending a seminar when a wise woman told me that there are three kinds of people to look for:

1. Those who know they are out to get you and say so.
2. Those who are nice people but due to their ineptitude cannot help themselves from victimizing you – who cares.
3. And those who act like nice people but underneath their kind exterior is ruthless and cunning.

I’ve had the opportunity to deal with these kinds of people in my life and it’s a great lesson to pass on to other people and our future generations. Most people through their association with you have set imaginary and unrealistic expectations and when you fall short, they label you, no matter how noble your motives may have been. You will not escape being labelled as a cunning and ruthless person who has made them the victim.

In the past it used to bother me a great deal whenever I was labelled unfavourably; now if I were to be labelled as cunning and ruthless, so be it!

Human beings create their own reality according to individual perceptions. The reality never changes but the perception will be altered. One of the best ways to deal with ruthless people is if you suspect that they have no moral boundaries in acquiring their desire – don’t get involved! When you master detachment from your own greed and desire you will save yourself lots of heartache and loss.