There was an IMP social last night which, for once, I actually got into. The ones before had either blown or I didn’t go. So I was quite pleased that this one turned out as awesome as I’d hoped. I mean, dressing up as a cow is one thing, but clubbing dressed as a cow, along with penguins, ducks and cavegirls? Even better.

But I didn’t get that far. I decided to make sure a rather out-of-it Chris got back home safely. I couldn’t really afford it, but I paid for the taxi to get him back to his place and decided – as a way to cut costs – just to get the taxi back to Corfe. I never got to go out dressed as a cow.

Now that’s as far as I’m going to take that example. It doesn’t really tie in to what I wanted to talk about, but it’s what triggered my thought process. In what situation would you prioritise other people’s wellbeing over your own?

In that example, I took it upon myself to make sure he’s alright. I mean, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself had I decided not to go in the taxi with him and found out he got run over on the way to his house. But let’s replace some variables here (for the lulz, obviously):

1. Chris is a course mate. What if he’d been a stranger? What if he’d have been one of my friends from school? What if he’d been an old friend I didn’t really know any more?
2. He was pretty much out of it thanks to everyone’s friend – Alcohol. What if he’d just been stabbed? What if he was in a fight?
3. I was with pretty much my whole course out on a social. What if I’d just been walking down the street? What if I’d just saw it outside my bedroom window?

That’s all nice and cheery, there. But all these things would play on my decisions. I mean, I know it sounds harsh, but I probably wouldn’t help out a drunken stranger. I have no idea what they’d be like. I mean, they could be harmless, but I don’t want to take the chance. I mean, I hardly know Chris, but he’s in my seminar group, so I kind of knew what he’s like.

Obviously, friends from school I’d make sure got back okay. I’ve known some of them for a good 8 or 9 years, I couldn’t just leave them be, could I.

But in all the other situations involving people I knew (or at least knew of, anyway) I’d go help if nobody else was. I don’t care what sort of time I’m having, as long as it’s not affecting other people. I hate inconveniencing other people. I really hate it.

In Chris’ case, there were plenty of people willing to help him out, but seeing as I was one of them and given the previous paragraph’s contents, I volunteered. They would’ve had more fun out than I would and I don’t know what it was – I just needed to know he got back alright.

Looking at the Facebook pictures of last night it looks like they had a lot of fun out in Bournemouth dressed as various things. I just know that had I just gone with them and let someone else do what I did, I just wouldn’t have enjoyed it as much.

So what would you do? Are you an "Every man for himself" guy, or a "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" type of person?

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