Those are two words many of people talk about, but do they really practice what they preach and have those qualities? I am sorry to say, not many do. And I truly believe our society is losing those qualities rapidly. Whether it is in the home around relatives, or in the workplace, or around so-called friends, I have have seen (and heard) as soon as a person turns away people rise their eyebrow in disgust, speak harsh words about them, or tell lies about them. And this goes for what we call "TRUE FRIENDS".
I think in my 70+ years, I have had maybe 3 TRUE friends. I am sure that those friends never said anything bad about me. Maybe they gave me advise about not doing something before I made a mistake, or held me back from committing a BIG mistake, like punching someone. But those friends stood by my through good and bad ALWAYS. They never cussed at me, they never talked down to me as an idiot, and were always very honest with me. Unfortunately they all are gone now and I miss them dearly.
My point is, we ALL have to be honest and respectful to EVERYONE at ALL times. You can be honest and subtle about any harsh words you have to tell someone, and still be respectful too. I know that can be a fine line, but we have to think about the other person's feelings and their borders in respect to harsh and TOO harsh. Believe me, I have tasted my foot in my mouth too many times, and it was not pleasant. I think politicians must have taken a class on how the cut you without being an ass, and smiling all the time they are doing it. Is a car dealer honest to you when describing a used car? Nope. How about a doctor saying, " Don't worry, this won't hurt." Sure doc. Or the biggest one, a so-called friend who cusses at you and talks to you as if you are an illiterate, back woods knot head that did not have a clue about anything. Is this your friend? I will admit, I may not be the smartest guy but no one is that stupid you must talk down to them, especially with four-letter words.
Folks, we are all humans, and I understand we lose our tempers sometimes with other, but that is no reason to talk down to them, cuss at them, belittle them with your harsh words because you disagree. Yes we are human and definitely not perfect, but I believe everyone is born with love, caring and kindness in their hearts.
Years ago, my crew stopped to go into a Circle K for a cold drink (non-alcoholic of course) on a hot day when I notice this homeless person leaning against a wall in the parking lot. I walked over to him and asked when was the last time he ate. He said he could not remember. I told to sit in the shade and I'd back. Some of my crew said, "What are you doing? He is just some junkie homeless guy looking for drug money." I replied, "Yeah he could be, but won't you appreciate someone buying you a sandwich if you were hungry?" I bought the homeless guy a couple sandwiches, a bottle of orange juice and some cookies (because I like cookies too). We stuck around until he finished, called around to see if there was a homeless shelter close by to get him in. I don't do that often but this guy needed a friend, or some help.
Kindness and respect for others go along way, with strangers, friends, family and most of all, be honest to yourself. Just maybe you aren't smarter or better than anyone else. Maybe some of our politicians could take a course in this too. Take care, stay safe.
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