It's a matter of personality
Although it was a LONG time coming, Justin and I sat down last night and had a long heart-to-heart discussion about not only his behavior as of late, but also my own. We spoke until about 11:30 last night about a variety of things. The surprising thing is that he initiated the conversation... He expressed that he took a step back and analyzed not only his recent mood but also its effect on those who love and care for him. It was a sincere and heart-felt admission of wrong-doing. He recognizes that he's done similarly to his parents and his brother recently. Right or wrong, his personality is such that when he can't "handle" a situation or an incident before him, he simply shuts down and becomes a heartless emotionless prick. He surrounds himself with nothing and shuts out anyone who tries to break through that shell. Any attempt to help in any way results in further distancing since he feels he's not put enough of a barrier up to protect himself. We spoke about his drinking, his brother leaving, Brandi... just about everything that was on my mind and his. Is the "Old Justin" back again? I doubt that, but at least he truly sees what his actions have meant to others. Are things going to get better? Perhaps. Still trying to plan that Joshua Tree trip - I think I got him excited about it with the pictures and maps that Steve Tucker brought in for me. We'll see how that goes. If we don't go to Joshua Tree this weekend, I'm thinking about going to Josh Galarza's Octoberfest party on Saturday - lots of bratwurst, sauerkraut, and beer. This guy has invited me to every function at his place since I started working here and I've declined them all like an asshole - mostly out of pure laziness. Maybe I should snap out of that... again, hinging upon the potential Joshua Tree trek.