Oh, Behave!

Ever since my children grew to adulthood,

I have never again told anyone what to do.

When they were young I did because I was

taught what to do myself, and believed it

was my duty to keep them safe and to

teach them how not to be annoying and

inconsiderate.

It must have worked to a degree because

they are still alive, and not the least bit ob-

noxious. Not since the days of their youth

have I told anyone what to do. Well, there

were those jobs where I was in charge, and

it was my responsibility to let those under

me know exactly what needed to be done.

But I did preface my requests with a respect-

ful, please.  And I did usually follow-up with

a gracious thank you, good job. So in a way,

I did not consider that an emphatic order or

command. I never threatened anyone with

loss of life, limb or job if they did not perform

accordingly and absolutely.

Anyway, I am now in the position of age

and seniority where I am under no oblige-

tion to tell anyone what to do, and I am

relieved that I can let the world be as it

will be. I do, however, occasionally tell my

two dogs not to bark or to pee and poop

in the apartment, but they rarely obey.

For nine times out of ten, they don’t listen

to me anyway. And I figure that behind my

back, my children growing up did the same.

They wouldn’t have turned out to be the

upstanding citizens and good persons that

they have become had they not once in a-

while tactfully and discretely  disobeyed.

Who am I anyway to say I know the only

right way? Oh wait, don’t sit in that chair

over there! It’s covered in dog hair.

Chris Hanch  9-9-15