Where do you draw the line between the two?

Steve likes to drink. Steve drinks a lot. Steve drinks a case of beer a night. Every night. Steve doesn’t hurt anyone–side from himself.

Is Steve a bad person? I would think not.

Is Steve a smart person? Again, I would think not.

So who tells Steve he needs to take a more moderate approach to his drinking? Whose place is it to tell him such a thing? Is Steve not a functional adult who has never had a DUI, and pays his taxes, and helps his elderly neighbor lady get groceries every Sunday afternoon.

So why the stupid post Dave?

I’m reflecting.

I’m also in the middle of reading something and wondering what is going through the author’s head. Do I point out (criticize?) what they are doing or do I let it roll on by? Yes, I know, you attempt to point it out in a polite and respectful manner so as to not insult the person.

I’m trying to do that… but I’m finding it difficult.

Fictional Example of this person’s story:

Mary and Bob picked up the pizza and beers from the counter and moved to find an open booth to share. Finding one, they place everything down and take off their jackets before sliding onto opposite benches. Mary reached in to pull out a slice but had most of her toppings slide off as it hadn’t been cut through thoroughly. They shared a laugh and Bob volunteered, “My favorite topping is the smaller pepperonis that curls up into little cups with hot grease within them.” Six months later Mary attended Bob’s funeral.

Did you catch that zinger at the end? The story was building up with them sharing a moment and then-wham-we jump ahead to something that is jarring. I can assure you that the author isn’t trying to be extreme.

Cowardly or Polite?

I know that my own writing has shortcomings. Every human has shortcomings. It’s all part of the ride. Is it wrong of me to want to go back to playing with my legos and having my mom bring me PB&J sandwiches?

😛

My mom is going to turn 70 next month.

This time thing has to stop… in another six months I might find myself attending a fictional funeral for Bob.

😛

Another twist on the question, do we have the time to waste being polite? I know Steve enjoys drinking himself into a stupor every night but for the rest of us not eating PB&J sandwiches, I would like to think we would want to grow. To understand our shortcomings and try to adapt or move past them.

One of mine is just simple. Just as I said to Dwight, many just times before, just as I will continue to do. I will fight for JUSTice.

(I’m attempting to be puny here)

Okay, times up. It’s 7 am and I have to end my morning walk/escape and get back home. I need to wake the kids and prepare their breakfast PB&J’s.

😛

Tootles all.