I don't think you can really avoid it. We're all fragile and egotistical at times... I think it's partly why we're here.
Really liked what you sent me Eric....below;
Life has a jarring effect by its very nature which every sensitive soul can feel. If a person wishes to keep away from all jarring influences, he had better not try to live, for life is a constant jarring. Life is motion, and it is the nature of motion to strike against something. It does not require strength to stand agatinst the jarring influences of life – there is no wall of stone or of iron that can always stand against the waves of the ocean – but a small piece of wood, little and light, can always rise and fall with the waves, yet always above them, uninjured and safe. The lighter and the littler man's ego becomes, the more power of endurance he has. It is two strong egos that strike against one another. The little ego, the light ego, just slips over when a powerful wave of a strong ego comes for it to knock over itself against a stronger wall that may throw it over.
Yes I have just recently-and over the years of my life-witnessed the devastating affects of ego on relationships. I think it is the number one reason for the end or an impasse in our personal relationships. I also have found it to be the strongest incentive to develop humility and seek the help and company of others who have this spiritual attraction.
