Times seem to have changed…being thoughtful appears to no longer be popular, neither is being kind or polite.
Do you treasure those that speak their minds, but are cautious enough to not deliberately hurt?
What about the words please and thank you?
Do you still appreciate them?
Genuine people are hard to find. Genuine friends are far and few in between. Genuine friends tends to mysteriously know how you are today without you telling them. They love unconditionally. And trust is so very important in those special relationships. And last, but not least, a friend that honestly and openly can say what they think, in a way that offense is not caused, in a manner that really rocks your world = one genuine true friend. And honestly, isn’t that what we aim for, to be a genuine person in life?
Despite the un-popularity of being polite, do you also chose to be there with me?
It does not mean that we paint the world with butterflies and roses. No, we are aware that life is difficult. No bones about it. However, it does mean that we treat each and every encounter with much deserved respect.
Are you with me?
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Yes, I am with you, although I am guilty of not practicing tact, often because i was, and sometimes , am ~tactless…however, age has mellowed me , I hope! Hey, my friends and family hope so too. Good and kind post Mary.
Kathy, I try to be not too nice. I try. Are you laughing with me? I would rather someone say I am genuine than say, “Oh, you are so sweet!” But…and that is a big but…about one year ago I finally woke up to the fact that we can only be ourselves. We treat others with respect to begin with, the rest does not matter. They like who we are, or they don’t.
By the way, I have never seen you tactless! Funny about your family and friends “hope so.”
KathyB,
It would seem I ride in your boat… I try to be tactful, and respectful, but at the same time I shoot from the hip. I don’t know that I’ve ever been the “sweet” type, unless sarcasm drips like honey!!! 🙂
I have been the “sweet” type and it doesnt work. Ha. I think my parents taught me to try not to frown, to keep a good attitude. At times it was difficult, but now it comes most of the time. Shooting from the hip isn’t such a bad thing when it is needed. It hits the spot, and right on target. Don’t you think?
I have a confession, Mary…
I, like you, do appreciate kindness, gentleness, happiness, thankfulness, and gratitude. I appreciate when people are polite, honest, genuine, patient. I admire those qualities so much and do try to emulate them in my own life. But when people are intentionally mean or rude or hurtful or inconsiderate, I don’t typically respond well. I need to work on turning the other cheek. Life is much too short to allow other people to influence the lesser attractive of our personality traits.
Thanks so much for reminding me that I still have a responsibility to be the best person I can be, regardless of how other people choose to be.
Love you Mary!
I think we can be ourselves. That is my opinion. I think we can do what is necessary in life to survive, take care of ourselvses, but with a degree of class and respect. It makes life easier for all of us, without being sickening sweet.
I am completely with you on this, Mary!
I don’t understand the mentality of going around angry and rude constantly. And those who cause problems in other’s lives need to be shipped off somewhere far away.
You definitely hit a tender spot on this one.
I have a friend/neighbor who has caused so much turmoil in my life that I finally had to be rude. Well, not so much rude, but STRAIGHT to the point with her. She loves to put people on the spot and wreak havoc in their life, but when she is confronted with it. She turns tail and runs. Then stays away for months. And those months are far more pleasant with her in hiding.
I absolutely hate when people make me be rude!
That is it, in a nutshell! Why the grumpiness? And why the thought that they can complain all of the time? And forget being polite.
I have no right to say how others should be. I am only suggesting that people could actually try to use courtesy and be polite, and act like they care about one another.
You put that so well. I love graciousness, politeness, kindness and most of all honesty. I am guilty of not showing those often enough. Thanks for reminding me that I need to make an effort to always be kind.
Good morning!
It was something that struck out at me (in general) recently.