Questioning Perfection, Greetings, Sex, Friends, and Love

“Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.”

-- Salvador Dali

 

Why do Republicans lose elections even though they have more voters than Democrats?

Ignorance.

How do I achieve complete perfection in everything in life for the rest of my life?

You don’t. Perfection is unattainable. You can, however, be excellent at everything you choose, at least until your mind starts shutting down. You can try to achieve, through hard work and practice, and practice, and more practice. I think you’ve set yourself up to fail by trying to be the best at everything. Pick a couple and shoot for the moon. If you attain your goal, pick a couple more.

How do I engage a whole group?

Be in charge.

What is a real example of a good/great question? What makes it good?

There is no such thing as a bad question unless it isn’t understandable, or you have to ask it more than once. Questions are a way for us to glean information. From this information, we can learn. If you learn, the question was worth asking.

How do you reply if someone says 'OK listen'?

“Are you going to make some sense, this time?”

How do you reply if someone says 'OK listen'?

“Again?”

“Are you going to make some sense, this time?”

“Okay, but a babbling brook doesn’t impart information.”

“Are you actually going to say something cogent, this time?”

"Yadda, yadda, yadda..." 

“The major dilemma is that we tend to listen to reply, while all we should do is: listen to understand and feel.”

-- Akilnathan Logeswaran

What does it mean when a guy says he doesn't believe in love at first sight? What is his real feeling?

He might want something emotionally or intelligently deeper. This is when “Joe Bag O’Donuts” throws out his best line at the mini-skirt and she answers by opening her mouth, taking out the wad of chewing gum, and letting “Betty Boop” assault his ears. No. Hell no. Nails down a blackboard. Yeah, I know, voice shaming. Chances are, she won’t launch into a dissertation on quantum mechanics. A woman might feel the same about Popeye. Better you get to know people before you rely on a kneejerk reaction.

Is it possible to greet people without saying goodbye?

Try saying, “Hello!”

Why do people stand in line for food at stadiums?

They have beyond money, and they’re hungry. There’s nothing like a $10 hot dog that’s been slow-cooking all day, topped with questionable condiments and fly parts. I like to be close to a restroom.

How can you deal with a friend that won't let you be sad?

Thank them for taking the time to be your true friend.

What do you say when someone says “I am listening”?

“To what?”

“What did I just say?”

“But, are you understanding?”

“Listening to your brain crystalize, isn’t really listening.”

Can people make you feel special with their actions, not words?

Oh, my God! Yes!

"Believe it or not, a normal human being is one who can have an orgasm and is adjusted to society. It's unimaginable! No question about what you do with your orgasms. No question about the quality of your feelings and thoughts and perceptions."

-- Aldous Huxley

What does it mean when someone says they don't want anything serious but still want to be friends with benefits? How long can this last before he finds someone else?

This is an STD waiting to happen.

Can two people have sex with each other after a breakup?

Sex is so much different than love. You may not be able to live with each other, but the sex is great.

Is it normal to absolutely despise and meet the concept of asking for help and receiving help with utmost primal hatred?

Only if you don’t expect to ever get help from anyone who cares, ever again. None of us is perfect, so we all need help every now and then. To despise the concept, would be to adopt a faux ego. We are all limited, so asking for some assistance isn’t the end of the world.

When did you realize that the country you moved to is not the one for you?

Every time I went overseas. I couldn’t wait to get back to my own country.

What does it mean to you to have hope?

Faith gives birth to hope. If I have hope, I have faith. If I ever lose hope, I will lose faith. I can’t imagine losing my faith, in anything. So, I will always have hope.

What if my girlfriend is allowing another guy to touch her?

Not your girlfriend. Sounds like she’s everybody’s.

“You're such a sucker for sweet talk that you'd lie with every scumbag who comes your way.”

-- Ahmed Mostafa

What will happen if we fall in love with our best friend's ex-girlfriend and they are still friends?

It is what it is. People need to get over it or become better at love.

Is it right to say that you love one person more than you love another person?

Yes. There are different levels of love. There is love for your children, wife, girlfriend, other friends, parents, etc. All these are different in how we show our affection.

How do you stop your wife from physically hurting you?

Stop being a masochistic submissive.

What does it mean when a guy says he doesn't believe in love at first sight? What is his real feeling?

He wants something emotionally deeper. This is when you throw out your best line and she answers by opening her mouth, taking out the wad of chewing gum, and letting “Betty Boop” assault your ears. No. Hell no. 

Is it okay to cheat in a relationship if your partner doesn't satisfy you enough?

No. End the relationship, and search for the gusto. No one likes a cheater.

What is the definition of love in one word?

Uh… Love?

“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.”

-- Pablo Neruda

What should I do? I’m in love with a married woman.

Don’t let the husband find out. Your “Longevity Low Light” will start to flicker.

I’m 22 years old and I have slept with 11 guys. I just love having a lot of guys. Is it wrong?

Are you afraid of contracting an STD and spreading it? If not, there’s not much more to say about it.

Can you continue a relationship without trust?

Yes, you simply know they aren’t trustworthy. 

Why did God wait trillions of years to give Jews the Torah?

The Jews weren’t around that far back.

I want to cheat on my wife? Where do I find a side girl?

That will define who you are. Better if you just divorce her. Why destroy three lives, when one is more than enough?

How do I deal with a married man?

Same as you deal with a single man, only keep it quiet.

I always hear women say 'Y'know married men live longer'. Yes. And an indoor cat, also, lives longer.”

-- Bill Maher

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 view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, 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.

I fervently 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 offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I have come to believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a 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 United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

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 a weapon for his war on intolerance... he chose the pen. He 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 personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

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