#set the example

[b0bthebuilder35]

[serpentinesheldonserpentine]

It’s simply (Un) common courtesy.

Nope. I don’t like wearing a mask one bit. I keep it around my neck when I’m in the woods.

But when you and I see one another approaching on the trail, we each pull our masks over our faces.

Much the way standing when your date approaches or leaves the table is a sign of respect and affection, try viewing mask wearing as a form of manners; a sign of respect that you, an adult man, give others.

Living a man’s life in the United States is the best gift you’ll ever receive.

Please be worthy of it.

[craigtowens]

Today you will meet all kinds of unpleasant people; they will hurt you, and injure you, and insult you; but you cannot live like that; you know better, for you are a man in whom the Spirit of God dwells.

Marcus Aurelius, in his statement to himself each morning

[chocolatequeennk]

Civil discourse

When did the Golden Rule become, “Do unto others as they did unto you?” I’m so tired of, “Well, they called me names/attacked me first, so it’s okay for me to do the same back.” 

How I respond to an attack says more about me than it does about the other person.* Twice in the last month, I’ve gotten into an argument in AO3 comment threads--once on my own story, and once on another’s. Both times, I was told by friends that I was way nicer than they would have been. 

Friends, I was not nice either time. I was civil. I used polite language to make it very clear to the individuals that I did not feel that their comments were appropriate. One time my words got through to the other person, the other time they did not. But both times, it was clear to any onlookers that I was the better person.

*I’m not saying you have to take insults and derogatory language and abusive behaviour sitting down. I’m not saying you need to be a doormat. But you can defend yourself without calling the other person names and throwing that same vitriol back at them. 

And hopefully, it goes without saying that this does not apply to situations where your physical safety is in danger. If you can safely walk away from a physical altercation, do it. But if you need to hit back to stay safe, that’s an entirely different situation.

[craigtowens]

Let the world take notice of you—that you are when you are on your feet what you are upon your knees—that you are a brother to all the brotherhood of Christ, a brother born for adversity, like your Master Himself.

Charles Spurgeon

[craigtowens]

Be a blessing to others by going first...

[sacredbloominglotus]

[funkyfreshray]

Kindness

Kindness should not be so rare that it becomes overwhelming when someone experiences it. We can do something about making it a common expectation for others by being the ones who make it a priority to act on it and set the example.