Firstly, House declares that "It's a process." Is it ever! These three words resonated very strongly with me. Mental illness isn't something that gets cured. Nor is treatment straightforward or easy. Taking a few pills can't turn you "normal" again. Because, in fact... it is a process. What you need one week may not be what you need the next week. Thank you for drawing attention to that fact, Dr. House!
The second quote that really caught my attention tonight was from Wilson to House: "It's easy to be nice to people you like. Being nice to people you hate? That's a skill." I'm sure the parallels are clear between House's spat with Wilson's neighbour and the qualms Chase and Cameron had about treating the evil dictator. Being nice to people you hate is a skill that's usually central to service professions. Chase and Cameron certainly have it. However, until now, House has lacked that skill. In fact, he even has difficulty being nice to people he loves. This general lack of "niceness" is what he's famous for, and despite all the personal and professional problems it has caused, it has helped him get a lot of things done.
Wilson's statement draws attention to the fact that, as a skill, being nice to people does not occur on its own but must be cultivated. However, it is not appropriate for every situation. Right now, House is trying to find the right balance between being nice and being honest. It's a difficult and ongoing struggle - it is, in fact, a process - but becoming aware of the struggle means that one can observe it and control it more effectively. One can begin to make informed decisions as to when "niceness" should take precedence over honesty and, of course, temper brutal honesty with niceness.
