BUSYBODY

     We have all done it and regretted it afterwards. We are either drawn into or feel the need to volunteer our help or opinion in someone else’s situation. It may be a simple neighbor dispute, child rearing issues, a family squabble or the worst possible case, a crisis of romance. What generally happens? The party we were attempting to “help” uses our support to bolster their position and now we are accused of “taking” sides, placing ourselves in one camp while unintentionally alienating the other. That shoulder provided to a friend or loved one smarting over a relationship breakup comes back to haunt us when they reconcile, our words of  “comfort” often putting us on the outs with both parties!

    “Do not wear another man’s hat” was salient advice given early in the last century. Simply, we do not engage in gossip, seemingly well-intended little character assassinations or take sides when family, romance or the heart is involved. When we do we don the “other man’s hat” and pay accordingly. Our course is simple but not easy, in prayer we invoke love for all involved, leaving their judgment to a Power Greater than Ourselves, seeking only to be of service without being negative, keeping our opinions close to the vest, between ourselves and God. This will take time and practice to become a working part of the mind but it is the path that leads to serenity and we avoid those hard looks and cold shoulders over the holiday dinner table or backyard fence.