Your Message Board

If you were to wear one around your neck, what would you want it to say?  Me?  That I lived an ‘authentic life.’

Yes, that means doing as I do.  Not doing as I say.  BIG difference.  While your toddler is in the back seat, are they watching you cut off and flip off drivers?  Because for 16 years, this is what they will observe.  So, don’t be surprised when you try to teach them to be a courteous driver; they are doing what they observed you do.

And, while on the subject, do you tell your school-aged children to be patient with their friends while you race your shopping cart past the slower shoppers to get in line?

How about the parent who is encouraging her child to get along better with his sister while she doesn’t talk to hers?

I understand that it is VERY difficult to live up to all that we encourage our kids to do.  After all, life is much more complicated than the saying, “Can’t we all just get along?”

So, my advice (and there is always some) is work on becoming more aware of your behavior and actions.  Work on mending relationships when possible.  And, always remember that children, young and old are sponges when it comes to their parents.  They truly are a Mini-Me.

So, if you were walking around the neighborhood with a sandwich message board around your neck, what would you want yours to read? Hopefully, NOT, “Here walks a hypocrite.”

Thoughts?

Emily Post

When I was growing up, Emily Post, who was an American author famous for writing on etiquette was the go-to person on any subject regarding protocol.  How to set a formal dinner table, what is expected when attending a wedding, along with how does a houseguest reciprocate was frequently addressed.  And then there was, “Do I have to write a thank you note since I already thanked the person at my birthday party?”  If there was a sticky situation or you were unsure about the ‘rules’ of etiquette, Emily had an appropriate solution.

Where is Emily when we really need her?  I have several friends who are looking for answers to questions from:

1         .    When I send a text, shouldn’t I get an answer?

           .    Should I leave a voice message, or just hang up the phone?

           .    I have been invited to several weddings, however, I can’t return the invitation because I have such a large family.  What do I tell people who are expecting to be included?

           .    I am hosting a game night and can’t invite all my friends, but I am concerned someone will find out and have their feelings hurt.  How do I handle things when I get a call asking me why they weren’t invited?

I am not sure what Emily would say regarding the above concerns, however, I believe, (yes, my opinion) is communication is key.  If you would like a response from a text, then tell the person to please let you know they received your message.  Find out if your friends prefers a voice-message, or will they know you want to chat simply by the fact that they can see you called.   If asked, explain to those not invited to an event that although you are sad and disappointed you just don’t have the resources or space to include them, it just isn’t possible.

Yes, some people will be upset.  Yes, some people won’t understand.  In a world that changes as quickly as the weather, the best advice I can give is to be open, honest and sincere.

If you were Emily Post, what would you say?