Silence is Golden

I have always been taught, "If you don't have something worthwhile to say--don't say anything at all."  This has served me well throughout my life.  I have learned to keep smart remarks to myself, not interrupt others (though I do still struggle with this a bit), and build people up instead of tear them down.  I am constantly amazed at the number of people, however, who were not taught this rule of thumb. No matter where you go, you hear things that are better left unsaid.  Here are a few guidelines to follow based on my own personal experiences:

1.  Unless you know the person very well and the conversation is taking place in an isolated location, there is no need to discuss any embarassing medical conditions.  It is very uncomfortable to be trapped in the checkout line with a stranger talking to you about why they have three different types of laxitives in their cart.

2.  It is never appropriate to speak negatively about someone in public.  Just because you can't hear anyone other than the person you are talking to on your cell phone while pushing your cart through Wal-Mart (most often loudly), doesn't mean that everyone else can't hear you.  The very person you are speaking about or one of their family members/friends could be on the next aisle.  Not to mention the fact that, from now on, every time I meet someone with the same name as the one you are speaking about I will wonder if they are in fact that person.  I will be distracted by this quandry and most likely walk away having heard nothing this person has said to me.  Save negative talk for a quiet, isolated location....or, better yet, don't speak negatively at all.

3.  The very word "intimate" implies privacy.  Therefore, if you feel the need to discuss something that would fall under the category of intimate with someone other than the person sharing said intimacy....don't.  The world does not need to know.  It is exceedingly awkward to be in a conversation like that.  I do not need inappropriate images seared into my brain that will come lurching forward every time I see you/talk to you from that point forward.  So, please, keeps those little gems to yourself.


I hope that no offense is taken by these examples...not my intention.  Perhaps this is one of those times that I should have kept my "mouth" shut....but I was willing to risk it.  As long as you remember to speak kindly and thoughtfully, you should rarely run into trouble. :)