Answers: Short and Sweet

 

“Never allow someone to be your priority while allowing yourself to be their option.”

-- Mark Twain

******************************

Note to my readers:  I moved one of the questions to the front of the line, due to the length.  Even if I give a short answer, there is no guarantee the author won't come back for more, as she did.  Questions lacking context are the hardest to answer.  She gave a bit more information which helped.  The rest are "short and sweet," as advertised.

******************************

I held my crush's hand for the first time for 1 minute. I grabbed his right hand and interlaced my fingers with his and he held mine back. After a minute of talking about us, his hand started shaking a little. Why is that?

I think he’s in love and denial. Give him a tongue-searching kiss.

Author's comment: I want to but I don’t want to push it. His past partner hurt him and I grabbed his hand and held it as a way of showing him that I love and care for him.

My reply: Ah, context. It matters. He is tentative, then. Take it slow.

Author's reply:  Why would he be tentative, in your opinion?

My reply:  He’s been hurt. Been there done that.  I wouldn’t want to be hurt again.

Author's reply: Thank you for giving me your thoughts. I want to show him that he can trust me. I don’t want to hurt him, not even unintentionally. I don’t want to get hurt, either. I think that’s why he just wants to be friends. 

How do you not care about what other people think of you?

Like they’re perfect? My opinion of myself is the only one that matters.

What do you feel like after a fistfight?

A sack of beaten dog crap. 

How do I reprimand a neighbor who karaokes in the middle of the night without offending him?

Ask him to stop. Screw offending him. if it continues, call the cops.

Can a manipulator change their behavior if they are loved?

Did they manipulate the love? They will. Old dog, same tricks.

What are people's thoughts on being mad at someone after they've apologized if they didn't mean it or weren't sincere about it?

Spot on.

Does "Can you keep it down" mean “can you be quiet”?

Yes, unless you're getting ready to blow chunks.

What inspires you?

Women with great smiles and personalities.

Does it take a tremendous amount of patience and tolerance to be compassionate to an abject know-it-all that claims to be an expert on everything yet in retrospect knows very little?

There are two of them? Bit of advice, they aren’t worth the effort. Walk away.

Is social life the main obstacle preventing young adults from being successful at college?

I was going to say poor study habits, but the two go hand in hand.

What is the wrong way to treat someone who likes to fight?

I wouldn’t be calling them an asshole.

Why do some people hate being greeted by strangers on the streets?

They usually want something, like spare change.

Why don't you post pictures of yourself naked?

I’m almost 70. Do you like having nightmares?

What does it mean if a guy says he's looking forward to meeting me?

Bring a condom.

Why did you stop a fight?

I was getting the shit kicked out of me.

What is better: being nice or honest with an attitude?

Being honest with a nice attitude.

What is the meaning of "I want to give you a hug"?

“…and grope your ass.”

What is more important in a debate, being right or convincing the other side?

Convincing the other side that you’re right.

What would you do to someone who is trying to stop your cash flow?

Hurt them.

Is it better to be modest or humble?

If you’re truly humble, you are probably modest.

I heard a girl say “my pussy is activated”. What does that actually mean?

You seriously don’t know? You’re kidding, right?

How badly have you beaten someone down, and why?

I beat a guy pretty bad with a tree branch in high school. I was tired of being bullied by a pussy.

What is the honest truth about your life?

Approaching 70, my time here is winding down.

Is it possible to get a guy to like you and respect you at the same time?

Yes, even with my ex-wife, though she never noticed.

“Because he is confused, he doesn’t ask the question, “Don’t you respect me?” for fear she’ll say, “No, I don’t.” That frightens him so he avoids it. As a result, she gets locked into disrespect as a way of communicating her irritation and goading him to change.”

-- Emerson Eggerichs

 

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com