How do I get rid of these intrusive thoughts?

[Offmynoodle]

Hi. I've been agonizing for a few months over this criminal in my town. He never did anything to me, but he seems like a really nice guy. It's just weird to realize that a family friend is a criminal. I'm trying to figure out if all the friendliness is just a facade, or does he have some good and evil? Is it possible to be half good, half evil? What motivated him? Why do seemingly good people do bad things? These thoughts have been consuming me for a long time. My family is starting to worry because I've been moping a lot lately, but when I tell them what's bothering me, they yell at me and tell me it's none of my business. I know they're right. Anyway, what do I do? Should I rationalize/accept his behavior so I still have pleasant memories of him, or should I completely demonize and hate him? Or should I just pretend I don't know about any of this at all? My dad says my brain is too active, and it's just looking for stimulation. Please help? It's been long enough that I really do consider this a mental crisis. Thanks in advance.

[LouBerry]

Well what did this guy do? I mean, to quote Harry Potter, we all have both light, and dark inside of us. If this guy like, broke into a house or did drugs or something, probably not a bad guy, he just made some stupid decisions. Now, if he's like, a child molester/axe murderer, he's probably not a good guy, and I'd be worried too.

[Offmynoodle]

Thanks for the answers!

[DanteZombie]

I understand you. I have a brother who is a criminal. Honestly he is really nice and always tries to be a good older brother and tries to give me advice. I've seen the things he has done though. They run through my head constantly. Some of the things he's done I can never forgive him for...but I don't hate him for it. I know deep down on the inside he is a good person, I've seen it first hand. However, I just don't know what is it that makes him snap and do bad things.

My advice is just to accept his behavior. You do not have to like or hate him. You can be completely neutral towards a person. Move on with your life and ignore this person and they will leave your mind soon enough.