Day 3 – To be or not to be, a Grownup

 Have you ever noticed how sometimes, it is more prudent, NOT to have the last word. This tactic is particularly effective with teenagers. Often time’s silence and the look, work better than any argument you have to offer.

As an aside, I used to hate when my mother would say, “Because I said so” or “I don’t need a reason, I’m your Mother!” I know you know what I’m talking about . . . as a mother (or father), those two phrases, and phrases that express the same sentiment, are part of the everyday language many of us use to communicate with our children. When I was the target of those phrases, I swore (under my breath of course), that when I grew up and had children, I would never treat them so unfairly. That memory brings a grin to my face now. I was so wrong to stake that claim, because not only do I use these phrases often, I enjoy the authority they nSpire. After all, do I really owe a minor tenant in my home, anything but my unconditional love and devotion? Should he have a vote? A voice maybe, but not a vote. NO means no! That reminds me of a bumper sticker my dad found years ago. He gave it to me and simply said, one day this will mean something:  WHAT PART OF NO DON’T YOU UNDERSTAND . . .

Priceless!

So, back to my main point today. Not only does it usually benefit you to hold back or refrain altogether, from giving in to that “last word” desire; sometimes you actually come out ahead. Whether you are the boss, the employee, the teacher, the spouse, or even the plumber, presenting a huge bill you may need to justify, silence forces a pause. Time to reflect, collect your thoughts, and time to think about what you want to say and how you should say it. So next time you are tempted to have that last word, remember, pause, be silent, maybe flash the look and wait . . . you may just be surprised by the outcome.

I’m loving this new mission!

Bye for now!