I have been reading a lot about people’s values and have been tempted to call “bullshit” quite a few times.  Some like to bandy about values that include pride (A capital sin…), family and honesty.

First, pride is a sin for a reason and is often misinterpreted.  If you feel pride in something a friend or child does, what does that say about the rest of their actions?  Does that mean you don’t have that feeling all the time?  It is better to be pleased or happy about something.  I am very pleased when my daughter is polite and says please and thank you.  I am happy when she does well at soccer.  Having pride would be to live vicariously through her actions as if I am 100% responsible for her personality and actions.  I am but the guide, she is the actor.

Second, family is thrown around as an excuse and always talked up.  I agree that family is important if you have a great relationship with them and there is unconditional love.   Otherwise, they can do more harm than good.  We really need to work on the proper definition of family and people have to step up to the responsibility associated with being a family member.  I love my family and am very glad to have them around.  I admit that I am not always the best family member based on my own definition.  I know I can do better, but then I don’t preach to others what they should be doing or how the can be better.

Third, honesty is spoken about by many, but practiced by few.  There is value in diplomacy and tact.  I would love to hear people say what they mean and mean what they say.  I am sometimes disappointed with people who make commitments then back out because their mood has changed.  If you said you would go, GO!  If you said you would take care of something, take care of it!  I understand people forgetting sometimes (I am a pretty bad offender with memory…), but to intentionally cancel without a good reason is just mean and disingenuous.  I also abhor deliberately hiding information and feelings.  All it does is sow the seeds of discontent with each other.

In conclusion, be pleased, not proud, know your family and love them, be open and honest, don’t lie or hid information.  I hope I don’t sound like I am preaching, but simply stating what I think.  🙂

Stay interested and interesting!

John