I have philosophies or sayings that I generally try to live my life by.
The first comes from a legendary movie.
The second is incredibly simple.
Don’t be an asshole.
I hear you. “But Amanda, I’m not an asshole".
You might be. Do you:
- Not pay attention to your surroundings or could care less that you’re in sync with others?
- Live your life in a tremendous hurry despite other people’s needs and wants?
- Routinely back into people either on foot or on wheels (car)?
- Completely disregard the needs of others?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are an Asshole.
I don’t mean that you have to live your life serving others or constantly allowing others and their needs to be more important than your own. What I mean is that you are a considerate human being – that you consider the needs and wants of those around you and how you can accomplish your wants and needs without trampling others.
Standing in line at the grocery store with a full buggy and there’s a person behind you with 4 items? Let them in front of you. It won’t take but a moment for them to complete their transaction and it will give you a bit more time to unload your buggy.
You are in a quiet restaurant when suddenly your young child decides to melt down? Do you:
- Yell at your child to quit it?
- Finish eating your meal and carrying on your conversation?
- Do you walk the child out the door while requesting a doggy bag for the remainder your dinner?
If you answered with anything other than the last option or some variation of it, you are an asshole.
Other people do not want to listen to your squalling child. Eating out is expensive and after you factor in a babysitter, you’ve spent a small fortune. This is precisely why many restaurants are in the news lately because they’ve adopted a “no children” policy. Do they hate kids? Probably not. They are customer friendly.
Practicing basic consideration would make this world a better place to live in. If we all thought for one instant before we took any action as to how we affect those around us, we would all be a lot happier.
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Oh. My. God. Better Off Dead. One of my favorite movies of all time. I quote this movie endlessly and people look at me like I'm speaking Swahili or have a second head or something. "I want my 2 dollars!" One time I said to my friend, Amy, "Buck up, little camper." and she snapped "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Some people just do not get it.
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