Better Behavior, A Lesson

It’s been my delight since passing the halfway mark late last year (well after most of you, my friends, which means even past 50, I still retain juniority as well as youthful looks and energy) to discover that in fact an old dog can learn new tricks – or at least that it’s not too late for improvement. Seeing how much better my behavior gets almost daily, and seeing how some friends (hopelessly ill behaved & older than me) show improvement over time, fuels a driving inspiration to share success stories and proven suggestions for people who want to improve, like me and my friend Wayne.

The vision that burns is of a video tape series, called ‘Better Behavior Past Forty-five,’ that would chronicle improvements and have helpful suggestions. Wayne’s fine and all, but TBH he seemed like a good fit for the series so I told him about it, full of enthusiasm and hope.

Me, ‘…and it’s called ‘Better Behavior Past Forty-five.’

Him, ‘I think you just need to go fuck yourself.’ Which should have hurt my feelings but instead was an encouraging sign for the need of such an improvement series.

Wayne may come around later but in the meantime there is an area my family needs to get right onto. And I’m serious. This isn’t me trying to show leaderships in helping pretty much my whole family with a wrong, wrong, wrong way that they go about things. This comes straight from our first and perhaps greatest president, none other than the quill of Gen Geo Washington. So, when I point out this social flaw and persistently encourage improvement, my family (love you tons, you know I do) should know it’s not just me – it’s the General too.

Family, I’ve seen worse but you are close to as bad as I know. Dad, you are maybe the worst of all of us, a leader in unchecked humor and humor seeking, and you’ve been a bad influence.

We can improve, if we just look at the issue straight faced and sober. And I don’t want any of you people to feel like I’m making myself out to be better; even though I’m like 99% improved sometimes I too still laugh inappropriately. But it’s not right.

Here’s Pres One, on the solemn topic of inappropriate laughter and humor making:

Break not a Jest where none take pleasure in mirth Laugh not aloud, nor at all without Occasion, deride no mans Misfortune, tho’ there Seem to be Some cause

George Washington's Rules of Civilty & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation, 64th encouragement

From the Founding Father to my father as suggested by your son, that last line may have some relevance. Chins up, there’s work to be done.