What makes us tick……………………………?

It’s a very interesting question! I’ve had something of an epiphany lately and have watched lots of people “in action”. By that I mean I have started to take notice of how people behave in their daily dealings with other people purely because they’ve started to stand out like sore thumbs!

I don’t consider myself “better” than anyone else but I don’t consider anyone else “better” than me either! I do, however, consider myself polite, well-mannered and respectful and I expect the same in return! Is that too much to ask? I don’t thinks so – my dad always said to me “manners cost nothing lad!” and he was right! I’m certain I’m not alone in being told that by parents and grandparents who came through very tough times – it’s a generation thing apparently – rubbish, what has happened to values.

Lately I’ve heard that calling the barmaid “Oi wench!” is ‘banter’ and stems from the forces? I’ve personally never heard anyone either serving or otherwise connected to the forces do that, maybe it’s just me? The gentleman in question, I couldn’t claim to be his biggest fan, seemingly the nicest thing anyone says about him is “He’s ok when he’s sober?” – That’s a matter of opinion! Every day the same apology, take a long, hard look at yourself fella!

Then there’s the ones that say “Don’t be offended by anything I say, it’s just the way I am, I don’t mean it!” They seem to believe that that sentence gives them license to be as offensive as they like and it’s your own fault if you don’t like it because they warned you that “that’s the way they are!”

Maybe I’m being over critical, after all, people are allowed to be who they like! Everyone is entitled to an opinion, you don’t have to agree, just respect the right to an opinion – it’s not rocket science!

But I refuse to take abuse from someone just because they’ve decided that it’s ok and I shouldn’t get upset about it because, after all, “it’s just the way they are!” Well, no! The first person I take the mick out of is myself and I will have a laugh, banter…..whatever you want to call it, with anyone and BE the butt of the joke, no problem, but I draw the line when that becomes scathing and personal! If you think that is ok because “that’s just the way you are” then I don’t want to know you – simple! I won’t be the target for your abuse just so you can massage your ego and feel superior because you’ve put me down! You ain’t superior buddy!

What is amazing is how low these peoples threshold is when you fire back at them, they suddenly become very sensitive – poor lambs!

99.99% of the people I come into contact with on a daily basis, friends, family and colleagues are fantastic, wonderful, warm, loving people and I love all the time I spend with them, they make the world a better place! But some people make me mad………………. well not mad…………… irritated…………well not irritated just…………….I don’t know how to describe it? I’m not going to get mad about it because that’s just too much hassle; I have better things to think about! This little rant may sound like I’m mad, but I’m not, it’s just that it’s half two and I can’t sleep and recent conversations popped into my head so I thought “lets write!” – top idea; I’ll probably sleep through my alarm now!

At the end of the day, I know who’s having the last laugh, it’s taken a long time, but Christ, am I enjoying it!

Have the crack, indulge in friendly banter, tell a joke and laugh till that little bit of wee escapes because it lifts the heart and the spirit and let’s face it there’s enough in this world to get all bent up about – and leave the nasty, scathing, offensive dollopers sat in the corner being “just the way they are” with their non-existent feelings of self-worth!

I’ve always held the opinion that money and possessions don’t impress me at all. People impress me! The way a person behaves toward another, towards me – how they conduct themselves! The dirtiest, smelliest tramp can be the most engaging, polite, humble person around and by the same token the wealthiest in society can be, and often are, the most obnoxious – money and station mean nothing when it comes to being a worthwhile person!

So what makes us tick? Answers on a post card to Oh god he’s ranting, PO Box Shut Up, Anywhere.

I really should try and sleep now……………………………………………………