Sort of resolutions for 2015?

Here are a few things I decided a long time ago that made my life easier. Maybe it'll help you, too. I didn't make this list for New Years but I suppose you could use these as resolutions, if you want.

• Answer the question that is asked.

When someone asks you a question, listen to it. I've wasted more time trying to get someone to actually answer the question I asked, instead of the question that they thought I asked.

• Don't argue

You can disagree, but once voices get raised the connection between people's ears and their brains gets cut off. Nobody is listening anymore.

• Understand that choices are choices

For example, if someone is prochoice, this does not mean that he or she thinks abortions should be mandatory. It just means that the option should be available if someone wants to use it. Likewise, saying "Black lives matter" doesn't mean that other lives don't. Saying otherwise is just a way of side-stepping the issue and provoking an argument where nothing gets settled. (See second bullet point, above.)

• Don't interrupt

Let whoever you're talking with finish his or her thought. Guys, this one is aimed at you in particular--studies show that men interrupt women much more often during conversation, even women who have a position of authority over them. This has to stop. Really.

• Listen!

Dammit! Really!

• If it doesn't make any sense or if it's outrageous assume maybe you misunderstood

At least to start with. Maybe you missed part of the conversation, or don't know the full context. Before you fly off the handle, make sure that you have a good reason for doing so. Also, see previous bullet point.

• Allowing people to live their lives like they want is a good thing

If it were up to me, there wouldn't be any churches, or religions. I think they do more harm than good. Likewise, there would be no country music, because I loathe that crap. But it's not up to me. However, I'm free not to go to church, and not to listen to music that makes me incredibly cranky or, at best, bores the hell out of me. If you love country music, or if you find comfort in your religion, that's a good thing for you, but it won't necessarily be a good thing for everyone. I'm perfectly content letting you live your life as you see fit. Let me live mine like I want, as well.

• If you can do it it's only fair that everyone can

Really. Why should you be allowed to vote, get married, own property, or whatever, but other people can't? Doesn't that sort of undermine one of the fundamental principles of democracy? I'm no expert, but it sure seems to.

• Enjoy it while you have it

You don't know when it could all come to an end. If you have something in your life that gives you pleasure, enjoy the hell out of it. You never know what tomorrow holds.


Okay, I'm shutting up now. Have a happy and safe 2015!