Amanda at Shamelessly Sassy posted her personal life rules not too long ago and I thought it was a great idea. Composing the list turned out to be an exercise in brevity as I am such a rule-person that I could compose an encyclopedia of my own life rules. Here are the ones that came to mind first:

1. There is almost no excuse for bad manners – except if someone is in immediate danger. (Not to say I’ve never behaved poorly, of course!)

2. Cross at the crosswalk, when the pedestrian light is illuminated. They’re there for a reason. If you choose not to do so, DO NOT amble across the street expecting traffic to stop for you, or worse, make rude gestures at a driver who honks at you (not someone did this to me recently – ahem.). You are the one disobeying traffic laws.

3. Coffe breaks with good friends and family are the best way to brighten a day.

4. Hugs make things better. If you are a hugger. Not everyone is. But if you are, they’re awesome.

5. Pick up your own garbage. Littering is a terrible habit. Added on to that, clear your own table at fast food restaurants. Yes, employees are paid to clean up in the dining area but it’s not their job to put your nasty half-eaten french fries in the garbage can.

6. Telling your loved ones that you are proud of them is one of the most important things you can do for them. Don’t miss opportunities to do so.

7. Learn to give compliments.

8. Learn to accept compliments. (Hint: You say “thank you”.)

9. Learn your family and close friends’ love languages and practice communicating your love to them in ways they will understand and appreciate.

10. DO NOT talk with your mouth full!!!

11. Some people will always hear what they want to hear or continue in patterns they are comfortable in, even destructive ones.  As frustrating as it is, resist the urge to try to change them. People only change when they are ready to do so.

12. Speaking clearly and  concisely is a good skill to learn.

13. Don’t give unsolicited advice.

14. Avoid relationships with people who are too needy.  Emotional neediness is a black hole that will never be filled. (Of course this is totally different from friends who are going through a particularly rough time or going through a bad time yourself. We all need people to help us at times. I’m talking about those who completely rely on other people to boost their self esteem or hold their hand through the simple ups and downs of daily life.)

15, Avoid one-way friendships (courtesy of Shamelessly Sassy).

16. Beating yourself up for past failures is a waste of time.

17. Hate is a strong word. Use it sparingly.

18. Laugh at yourself a lot. At others infrequently. With others, as much as possible.

19. When people are counting on you, don’t let them down.

20. Visit your deceased relatives at a graveyard at least once a year if possible. Bring flowers. Wash the grave marker. Remember.

21. There are two sides to every story. Try to see things from another perspective as often as possible. It’s a good exercise, even if you strongly disagree with someone.

22. Religious literacy is important, even if you hold no religious convictions. Educate yourself.

23. Respect for people is one of the most important qualities you need to get along with people in life. Learn it and practice it!

24. Rules are mostly good. The fact that a rule exists is not an intrinsic challenge to your way of life (ahem, the hubby). Yes, sometimes rules need to be broken and sometimes it is basically harmless to bend rules here and there, but breaking them just for fun or spite is pointless and sometimes harmful.

Yes. I am a total rule-worshipper. It’s obvious to me now. Slave to convention or tradition or authority or whatever you want to call it. Sue me.