Some suggestions that might be helpful…
1. Something breaks
a. If you break something that belongs to someone else, tell them. They may not really care that the item is broken, but they do care about your honesty.
b. Offer to replace the item, even if it is an ugly owl figurine from the 70s on a shelf full of other “should be in the trash”, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” glass figurines that even Goodwill won’t accept . The owner may reject your offer because of your honesty, but this shows your maturity to take responsibility for your actions, reinforcing your respect for other people and their belongings.
2. Events
a. Do not discuss an event around people who are not invited. (Unless it’s an all-girl/boy event. At that point the uninvited sex is probably VERY thankful they aren’t going.) Again, this is just another act of respect for all involved. It’s not that you are trying to keep a secret; you don’t have to invite everyone to everything, but you don’t need to flaunt your schedule.
b. If you plan an event, you attend the event (excluding illness, death, broken bones, wild animal attack, etc.). Not attending impresses upon your guests that you have more important things to do, which is disrespectful to your invitees that, remember, YOU invited. (If a true emergency arises, please call a responsible guest to replace you as the “organizer” for the event, so guests are left with some sort of direction. The substitute organizer can assist you with informing your guests of any last minute changes or cancellations, if necessary.)
c. If you plan an event, you do not make last minute changes. (Excluding situations that are beyond your control, such as weather issues, being kidnapped by Gerard Butler, or the President calling you in for an emergency planning session and he actually wants your opinion.) Last minute changes can cause confusion and undue stress for the host and/or the guests.
d. If you are invited to an event that you would prefer not to attend, an explanation is not required. You don’t have to fib to the hostess that you’re not feeling well when you really plan on wasting the day away getting a tan next to the pool, shopping, or stalking other friends on Facebook. Politely decline if an RSVP is required, and enjoy your day. (If you are the hostess, kindly accept the decline without asking for an explanation.)
3. The cell phone
a. Some calls are important: your boss broke his leg, hospitalized with a broken femur because he tried to fix the roof himself, and he now needs you to close the deal with the wealthy Caribbean client. You leave today on the company jet! You have to take the call, just not while standing in front of the cashier at your favorite store. Walk away and finish the call; you can purchase your necessities when the conversation is over.
b. Yes, the hands-free device makes you a better driver. You’re more focused and aware of others; your hands are appropriately placed at 10 and 2. You don’t hit the curb anymore because you aren’t trying to drive in reverse or turn with the phone squeezed between your tilted head and raised shoulder (unless of course, you have become an expert at this, like me). But now that you are out of the car with friends, dancing, chatting, trying to impress the opposite sex by holding your stomach in so tightly you can’t breathe normally, it’s okay to take that hands-free device out of your ear and place it into your pocket/purse/man-purse. It will be there when you get behind the wheel again, unless someone has stolen your pants, purse, or man-purse. In that case, especially if your pants are stolen, you might have bigger things to worry about.
Bella and Zooey are really adorable Scotties that have very distinct personalities.