Little life lessons

People are often not logical. They are often self-centered or have other faults. Support and encourage them anyway. Maybe they will heal and mature.

Some people will lie, cheat and steal. Do good anyway.

Honest people succeed everyday. However, when you are successful, you might win false friends.

Expect that the good deeds you do today to be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. Then rebuild if necessary. (Remember the Golden Rule fire?)

Some people who need help may criticize you after you help them. Help people anyway. But don't help them if they use your kindnesses to harm themselves or others

It is usually best not to lend money to your family. Just give what you can afford. This avoids bad feelings later. However, I often give them advice. They have to listen to get the money, so that is the price they pay!

If you have to lend big money, get something valuable to keep until they pay. Or send them to a bank.

The fist-bump handshake is still a good idea. Colds, flu, Covid and other viruses are always floating around.

Be a better friend. It is better to ask questions about what their needs and concerns are rather than dominate the conversation. Listen, nod, and most of all make eye contact.

It is not polite to eat the last piece of something you did not pay for yourself.

Do not be mean to another to impress someone you look up to. Just because someone wants to be negative does not mean it is okay to join in.

Never insult the cooking when you are the guest. Offer to cook next time.

Never take out your phone during a conversation unless it is extremely important.  And apologize to your friend if it was necessary.

Never take credit for work you did not do. You will eventually be caught if you continue exaggerating the truth. Build your own skills and your own confidence.

Do not make fun of anyone in front of his family.

Do not criticize one person in a group. They will 'lose face.' Both the group and the person criticized will feel bad. Even in a 1 to 1, try not to directly criticize. Talk about a situation where you acted differently, telling a story or allegory where the characters provide a more positive alternative to the problem.

Even a supervisor should use this approach when possible.

Never let emotions overpower you. Take a walk. Pray or meditate. Take a break before you say or do something stupid.

You can't make someone love you. Instead, join organizations, eventually you will find your match. Beware of dating sites.

If you are not sure how to dress for something, it is better to overdress than underdress.