![](https://steemitimages.com/DQmWay2Lb4exW5pjwEH7zhwAcHKEMm39X8uG5c6FZEasVv4/image.png)

Callous is a really strong word to use. Honestly I knew the definition of it but I can't remember the last time that I have actually seen or heard the word used by someone naturally in a sentence. I think this is rightfully so as it is a word that has a lot of meaning. Upon looking up the actual definition Google one of the things that stood out to me is the writing of "CRUEL disregard for others". I have met a lot of people in my life that have shown clear signs of disregarding what others think about them, but I wouldn't go as far as to say that their disregard has been cruel in my eyes.

On the topic of thinking of people that show disregard it got me thinking about the communities in which I have lived in. As much as I love Chicago, it is pretty evident that a lot of people here tend to feel entitled and only think about themselves when around strangers. Now that is not to say that is how everyone is here by ANY means, but it is something I observed. It is especially interesting because I only really observed this disregard for others around the city that I live once I lived in central Illinois for a few years. People in central Illinois were overly courteous of people they did not know in environments like restaurants and grocery stores. I worked a retail job in the city and one in central Illinois and it was a night and day difference for sure.

The nice thing is that I can't say I've met someone on Steemit that exhibits the traits that are mentioned in the definition of the word callous! It seems like the less people that you run into in your life that you can even call "callous", then the happier you will be!

Time is up for today already! Follow the link I have placed below if you are interested in learning about how you can partake in the free write challenge yourself!
https://steemit.com/freewrite/@mariannewest/day-74-5-minute-freewrite-prompt-callous