JULY/AUGUST QUOTABLE:
Can you remember when three-way calling was the new big thing? As children/teenagers, my daughters were not allowed to participate in three-way phone calls. Knowing how young girls are, after having been one myself, I felt that was an open invitation for trouble. Even in those situations, three was still a crowd in my mind, and I saw no reason why they should ever be in a phone conversation with more than one person at a time.
From what I’d heard from some of my friends regarding their daughters and three-way calling, those discussions always seemed to turn into ugly gossip fests, and my daughters were being raised on a strict “no gossiping” policy. They were taught that if they ever found themselves in the company of those who were speaking negatively about others behind their backs, to excuse themselves from the group and walk away. That way, the culprits would know that gossiping was not OK with them, and turning their backs on it, was their refusal to entertain it. Mind you, as adults now, this is still how my daughters live their lives.
As a mature, out-spoken lady with years of wisdom under her belt, I choose to handle these situations differently. My method doesn’t entail turning my back and walking away, although I stand by that as the route for my soft-spoken daughters. I like to nip nonsense in the bud, meet it head on, and stare it straight in the eyes – so when I have found myself in similar situations, I’ve called those “messy” women out, publicly – in the presence of the people entertaining their nonsense. I feel this is the only way to get gossips to stop.
If you have something to say about someone else, say it to them directly. Pick up the phone, send them a text or an email, or better yet, say it directly to their faces. Stop whispering behind people’s backs. That makes you a coward.
There are some things in this world that we may not be able to stamp out as quickly as we’d like (i.e. racism, cancer, gun crimes), but for certain, I believe that we can end the cycle of gossip – all we have to do is refuse to entertain it – and we do that simply by excusing ourselves and walking away. And although it might be considered childish, I hear sticking your fingers in your ears and loudly and repeatedly chanting “lalalalalalala,” is just as effective. 🙂
Each morning you open your eyes, vow to work hard at being a better person.
Good Morning, Nonnie,
I must admit that, like your daughters, I walk away, and if I’m sitting at a table when the gossip starts, I get up and leave. When someone asks me why I’m going, I tell them the conversation doesn’t interest me because the person they’re talking about is not there to defend themselves.
Shalom aleichem
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Nonnie, I love this! The quote is perfect. But the excellent advice to your daughters, notwithstanding, I’ve got to tell you that in my occasionally bizarre opinion, sticking your fingers in your ears and chanting “la la la la la,” is the absolute best!
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Well said, Nonnie. Even more reason to practice the Golden Rule.
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Well said, Nonnie! I’ve never really understood jealousy or envy. What another person has/owns has nothing to do with me. Why can we not celebrate others’ success for what it is? I can’t remember one of your other quotes but it’s all about lifting others up because we can all be successful and celebrated. The more positive energy we share in the world, the more positive the world can be. 🙂
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Yes, the pit eventually captures the digger. And jealousy often consumes the jealous person.
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Good Morning, Madam President 🙂
You’re preaching on this quote, and all I can say is AMEN! Preach on!
Shalom aleichem
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Great advice, Nonnie! Uplift others always! 🙂
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GREAT Quote, Nonnie! We should all follow this advice and make life better for others and for ourselves.
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Exactly!
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Nonnie, I’d like to borrow this from you if I may!
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I love this quote, Nonnie! A few years ago, I decided that my daily mantra would be to always be a better version of myself today than I was yesterday. It keeps me humble in my imperfections while also recognizing that I am a work of heart, continually growing and becoming better. 🙂
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Yep, less depressing and more fun…that’s me in 2022.
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Me, too! The new year is a good time to determine the legacy we’ll leave to the people we care about. Good vibes, indeed.
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Good vibes only!
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Yep, sunny side up (even if you like your eggs over easy or scrambled).
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Yes! I’m on board too. If we want change, it starts with us.
Shalom aleichem
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Good quote, Nonnie.
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I am honest in my reviews, but I sprinkle that honesty with kindness when I can. I always point out what I liked, and then I go into what the author could improve upon (or what I didn’t enjoy). When possible, I also try to send the author (especially if it’s an RRBC author) pictures of errors they have to give them the opportunity to correct them. The way I look at it, my review reflects upon me as much as it reflects upon the book. If I say that the story is perfect, and it’s riddled with errors, then my judgment is compromised. I won’t let that happen, so honest reviews are what they get. 🙂
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Great quote, Nonnie! I agree completely with you. We don’t always know what we need until we discover it. 🙂
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