Any guy can act like a gentleman when life is going his way, the real test comes when you’re tired, frustrated, embarrassed, or angry. That’s when your character shows up—or doesn’t. Every day we’re faced with hundreds of issues we have to figure out how to handle. How we respond to those inconveniences and irritations tell a lot about our character.
We all need to have a set of rules to guide us when the girl working the register at Chick-fil-A gives you an Arnold Palmer instead of half-sweet/half unsweet tea. Or the mechanic charges you twice what he said he would.
Here are 10 simple rules for navigating the ordinary frustrations of life.
1. Don’t forget everybody has a bad day
2. Don’t be a Jerk
3. Don’t jump to a conclusion
4. Don’t cheat
5. Don’t hold a grudge
1. Do give people the benefit of the doubt
2. Do say please
3. Do say thank you
4. Do tell the truth
5. Do stay calm
I’m never a gentleman when I explode or show my ass because I didn’t get my way, I’m a child. Acting like that is not kindness and humility, it’s me making someone’s life worse because they had to deal with me for a few minutes. I’ve made a small slice of their most precious asset,their time, miserable.
Every interaction with another person is a vote for the man you’re becoming. The waitress remembers. Your kids are watching. Your coworkers notice. Your reputation is built one ordinary moment at a time.
Four Simple Words
I came up with a question to ask myself when I’m having a bad interaction and I’m about to show my ass. It’s short and nowhere near grammatically correct, it’s actually pretty bad writing but it resonates with me.
“What’s best for you (them)?”
Should I tell you you’re not doing a good job? What’s best for you?
Should I tweet I’ve had a bad experience with a business? What’s best for them?
Should I vent my frustration on an employee who had nothing to do with why I’m upset? What’s best for them?
10 simple do’s and don’ts distilled down to four simple words.
Try it. The next time you’re interacting with another person, think to yourself “what’s best for him/her?” before you open your mouth.
Proverbs for Men: Timeless Truths for Modern Challenges
“Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” Proverbs 19:11
Man Law
“Show Your Class Not Your Ass”-Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant