The notion of ‘Polite Society’ brings up images of well mannered, cultured people, living their best lives. It’s ‘old money’, a good vocabulary, and quiet. “I’m sorry,” leads to, “I’m so sorry,” with every other breath. What are they sorry for? As far as I can tell, they are so sorry that everyone else doesn’t […]
YOUNG DUDES WHO VOTE?
September 23, 2024 by
Young dudes who talk about voting have a look. Some wear a suit and tie, an expression like they’re looking at the sun, and get their hair cut high and tight like the special force they feel a part of. You’ve seen them in pictures, on camera, looking fierce. Maybe they are fierce? Incel fierce?
FANCY PEOPLE, BUT NOT TOO FANCY
September 2, 2024 by
My wife and I are not fancy people, but one of us is more than the other. As it should be, as long as it’s not me. I’ve seen fancy and come away with the same feelings each time: No Thanks.
SOLVING PROBLEMS THAT AREN’T YOURS
July 2, 2024 by
Solving problems makes you one thing: A Problem Solver. You’ve had trouble searching for your purpose? Not anymore with the right solutions.
STREET SMART ENGLAND, OR WHY THE DOUR FACE
June 4, 2024 by
Street smart: Leaving the house and walking on a busy city sidewalk. Things to remember: Everyone isn’t your friend, deserve your smile, or wants a hug. What’s the proper facade in public? A dour expression.
HOLD ON TO THE HISTORY ROPE WITH BOTH HANDS
May 26, 2024 by
Hold on to the history rope and hold on tight when you discover some of the horrible events from the past. I didn’t need to know about more women being convicted for witchcraft. Witchcraft is not something I’m familiar with and will never be familiar with, but it seems more likely that women tried and […]
CHOPPED CHAMPIONS WITH LIFE LESSONS
January 9, 2024 by
Chopped champions get crowned at the end of the Chopped show on Food Channel. It’s a cooking competition that begins with four people working with strange food selections. One contestant is chopped after the first course, then one after the main dish, the last after dessert. Everyone finishes on time and no one stabs the […]
FINISHING SCHOOL FOR THE UNFINISHED
December 13, 2023 by
If you’ve never heard of it, a finishing school is where women become ladies. Ladies? What kind of ladies? Ladies who grew up expecting others to know what they’d learned in finishing school. To that we say, “Good luck.”
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION USES GOOD MANNERS
November 8, 2023 by
Manners matter, good manners, if your aim is for effective communication. Steady eye contact and active listening nods and acknowledgment are part of the deal, but don’t stare unblinking like a psycho. Also, “Yup, yup, yup,” and “okay, okay, okay,” are not examples of active listening. Unless you do it ironically, but only if you’re […]
