Believe me, you will appear at LEAST twice as smart. What's better, is that if you learn when not to speak (I'm working on it myself) you actually WILL be smarter. Smarter than the majority, in fact.
I visited a large bookstore for the first time in years. The philosophy section was one shelf, unfilled mostly with penguin classics, tucked into the back of the store behind a dozen shelves of bibles and other religious texts.
My daughter was preparing a formal “adulting” book for her younger daughter (younger as in 21 years old) while I was visiting her. Yes-it’s a thing now! All kinds of stuff that we had to figure out on our own was going into this notebook, like what to keep in your medicine cabinet-and what each thing was used for!😂 I had to figure all of this stuff out on my own. So I often goofed up, said and/or did the wrong thing. I did learn from these negative experiences. I wonder if such an “adulting” notebook was available to my younger self, if I would have read it. I remember having this “I know it all-or at least enough” attitude. Now that I am officially old😂 I would appreciate the guidance! As a young person, probably “Nah.” So as one of your older (and a small bit wiser) friends-I do appreciate your guidance!
I was recently given a tutorial from a relative on why to "never give money to someone on a street corner ". The suggestion of preparing a bag containing socks, and a sandwich was the preferred solution. My response of "it's a gift, I don't give a damn what they do with it " was unwelcome. I needed the four word reminder.
A valuable lesson I did not learn util well into adulthood. Better late than never. :) As always, thanks for your thoughts. I always enjoy reading your essays.
Great advice that all of us would be wise to heed.
Just recently a woman was telling me about an aunt who had suffered a debilitating stroke, but “it’s all right, God is in control.” I hope my face did not reveal what my mind was saying!
It’s just me, but I cringe at “I’m sorry for your loss.” It just seems so impersonal. As a “recovering Christian” I can’t say, “You’re in my prayers” as I used to. Most often I say, “My heart hurts for you.”
A meme I live by.
https://herberts.org/miscdocs/stfu.jpg
And when that fails...
https://herberts.org/miscdocs/notthisshit.jpg
Darn, I was hoping to learn how to "Appear Twice As Smart" but now know I need to just --------. :-)
Believe me, you will appear at LEAST twice as smart. What's better, is that if you learn when not to speak (I'm working on it myself) you actually WILL be smarter. Smarter than the majority, in fact.
Oh goody.
Excellent advice.
I visited a large bookstore for the first time in years. The philosophy section was one shelf, unfilled mostly with penguin classics, tucked into the back of the store behind a dozen shelves of bibles and other religious texts.
Of course it was. Religion is easy compared to Philosophy. Easy things sell better than difficult things.
My daughter was preparing a formal “adulting” book for her younger daughter (younger as in 21 years old) while I was visiting her. Yes-it’s a thing now! All kinds of stuff that we had to figure out on our own was going into this notebook, like what to keep in your medicine cabinet-and what each thing was used for!😂 I had to figure all of this stuff out on my own. So I often goofed up, said and/or did the wrong thing. I did learn from these negative experiences. I wonder if such an “adulting” notebook was available to my younger self, if I would have read it. I remember having this “I know it all-or at least enough” attitude. Now that I am officially old😂 I would appreciate the guidance! As a young person, probably “Nah.” So as one of your older (and a small bit wiser) friends-I do appreciate your guidance!
Thanks, Sue. We miss you.
I was recently given a tutorial from a relative on why to "never give money to someone on a street corner ". The suggestion of preparing a bag containing socks, and a sandwich was the preferred solution. My response of "it's a gift, I don't give a damn what they do with it " was unwelcome. I needed the four word reminder.
This is awesome. I wish those I know who need this advice were amenable to hearing it. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks for the reminder! I can be the queen of shutting up, and even that gets me in hot water😅
A valuable lesson I did not learn util well into adulthood. Better late than never. :) As always, thanks for your thoughts. I always enjoy reading your essays.
Really am not fond of Dr. Phil, but the best Dr. Philism I recall is, “Never miss the opportunity to shut up.“ Hard to do sometimes. Takes practice.
Superb work, as always, Kit. Never stop.
Great advice that all of us would be wise to heed.
Just recently a woman was telling me about an aunt who had suffered a debilitating stroke, but “it’s all right, God is in control.” I hope my face did not reveal what my mind was saying!
It’s just me, but I cringe at “I’m sorry for your loss.” It just seems so impersonal. As a “recovering Christian” I can’t say, “You’re in my prayers” as I used to. Most often I say, “My heart hurts for you.”