If you’re on social media or have visited a homewares shop lately, you will have noticed the current predilection for wisdom.
Modernised proverbs proclaiming ways to achieve happiness and snappy one-liners discussing life’s journey are all over the place.
Accompanied by inspirational photos, it seems we need reminding on a daily basis how, for what and why to live our lives.
The only one that’s ever rung true with me is the one about kindness. Recalling words to the effect of “be kind to everyone you meet because you don’t know what they’re going through”, it’s always been something I’ve tried to do.
However, sometimes you come across people who are just a nasty piece of work (NPW). NPWs aren’t evil at heart – it’s more that they just want to spread a little bit of misery wherever they go.
The NPWs I’ve encountered have no appreciation for others’ efforts and, while they bask in admiration when things are going well, they point the finger when they’re not.
They take immediate offence to the smallest comment or perceived slight and hold that grudge for as long as they can.
Their first words when they see you will be to point out a minor failing or make a “friendly” suggestion about how you can improve yourself, your life or your family.
But next time you encounter a NPW, remember the modern proverb: Be kind, smile, don’t let them get under your skin and say something nice – even though you might feel like smacking them in the chops.
Because you just don’t know what they’re going through in their lives.
And it will probably really annoy them.
Emma Sutcliffe is a Little River-based freelance writer. You can find her on Facebook at ‘‘Little River Emma’’.
