Random Thoughts From Marybeth

Rules You Need to Know

Tomato Nation: 25 and Over has a list of rules for grown ups. "...once you have turned 25, the grace period is over, and starring in a film in your head in which you walk the earth alone is no longer considered a valid lifestyle choice, but rather grounds for exclusion from social occasions."

Some of the ones about things that annoy me the most are (The rules are in italics followed by my comments.):

4. Develop a physical awareness of your surroundings. This is something that really annoys me. I can't count the number of times I've had to jump out of the way or pull my kids out of the way of someone who wasn't looking where they were walking (or who suddenly stopped walking). When you're out in public, leave your daydreams at home and join reality. Pay attention.

5. Be on time. Really. Late is not cute. Late is not fashionable. Late is rude. Your time is not more valuable then mine. If you have a job such as heart surgeon or fireman where you may be called away in an emergency, I'll understand. If you're just so self-absorbed that you think the world revolves around you, you will find your world getting smaller as your friends get tired of constantly waiting for you and stop inviting you to join them.

11. Do as invitations ask you. I've just about given up on having birthday parties for my kids. It's unfair to them but I've gotten tired of parents who ignore the R.S.V.P. on the invitations. We've had parties at baseball games, a martial arts studio, a ceramic painting studio, gymnastics school, indoor play center, and some more I can't remember right now. I spent time arranging the parties (more than just making the reservations, I try to add some extra things on my own) so my kids and your kids could have fun. Can't you spend a few minutes to let me know whether or not your child can come?

14. Have something to talk about besides college or your job. Little stories from work can be interesting up to a point. Keep them short, especially if they are about people/things I don't know. If, on the other hand, it's always just complaints about work, keep it to yourself or try to do something to change it. (See 19. Take care of yourself.)

And the one that sums up the rest:

20. Rudeness is not a signifier of your importance. Rudeness is a signifier of itself, nothing more. We all have bad days; yours is not weightier than anyone else's, comparatively, and does not excuse displays of poor breeding. Be civil or be elsewhere.