Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003 | 9:49 AM

I�ve said this before and I will say this again. I feel lucky and blessed to have so many amazing people in my life who are so honest and kind to me. I feel like I am consistently surrounded by unconditional love. I can trust the people who are my friends. I know they are there for me, and I am for them. I know they would never cross boundaries. I know they are secure in who they are as human beings. I know that we can sit down and talk about whatever may be bothering us.

In the past I have behaved in ways that were beneath me and I have no excuse for doing so. But I also know now that those behaviors were a direct result of how I was treated, that inherently I am actually pretty giving and fair, and that when I am treated with kindness and respect, I�m a damned good friend and lover to have.

I never again want to be the person I was when I was so hurt that I could barely see straight. I never want to be someone who treats others with anything less than total respect and dignity. And the best way I know to insure that is to 100% trust my own gut instinct and not take any shit from anyone.