Questioning Lessons, Success, Admitting, Friends, and Boyfriends

 

“If you spend your time hoping someone will suffer the consequences for what they did to your heart, then you're allowing them to hurt you a second time in your mind.”

-- Shannon L. Alder

What actions can be taken to improve consumer sentiment and boost confidence in the economy?

Simple. Put a successful businessman in the White House.

What is the impact of peer pressure on decision-making?

If you are your own person, none. You can ask for advice, but it is up to you to critique the advice before you put it into action. “Peer pressure” has no place in decision-making. This is how things go very wrong, and the person who succumbs to the pressure is the one people will blame. 

What characteristics should a philosopher possess?

Wisdom, inquisitiveness, and an open mind.

Which advice sounds correct but is wrong?

Advice that has not been vetted. Advice that has no history behind it is a crap shoot from the start. Better to get advice that has some positive history behind it. If it worked once, in similar circumstances, what are the chances it will work again?

Is there a name for the kind of person who changes their point in order to keep arguing after you prove them wrong?

Perpetually offended.

“People get addicted to feeling offended all the time because it gives them a high; being self-righteous and morally superior feels good.”

-- Mark Manson

How can one achieve success in life without good public speaking and communication skills?

Attaining goals depends on how far up the ladder you expect to go. Good speaking and communication skills are very desirable. Achieving success, on the other hand, is a simple choice to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of your circumstances. This is true success in life, and it is nothing but a simple choice you have to make. 

What makes you do what you do?

I’m retired.

What is the truth on why some people have no friends?

They have no skills to make friends, or they don’t want friends, or they are shy and introverted. The truths are numerous. It depends on the person and their background and/or desires.

The guy I dated told me he wants to date guys now. What should I do?

Cut him loose. AIDS doesn’t care what gender you are.

What is the difference between "never fails" and "always succeeds"?

Both are not valid. No one “never fails,” and no one “always succeeds.” Both comments make us think that perfection exists when it doesn’t. The most we can hope for is excellence. Excellence means you may, or will, have failed, but you learn the lesson and press on.

Is artificial intelligence good or bad?

It depends on the international laws the world passes to regulate it, and the countries who ignore those laws and put the world in jeopardy.

“To deny humanity the lesson of consequences would be a mistake. And I do not make mistakes.”

-- Neal Shusterman

How do guys show that they care about their girlfriends without admitting it too easily?

What is wrong with admitting it? Announce it loudly, so everyone knows how you feel. Buy her flowers and give her a public display of your affection. She will tell you when to back off a bit. That usually happens when you suck her toes in Burger King.

What are girls' opinions on guys who are too nice, caring, and loving?

They guys are either full of shit… or the girls have hit the jackpot.

Who should you try to impress?

Everyone. If you always do the right thing, the ethical thing, people may not like it, but they will be impressed that you did not waver from your beliefs in doing the right thing.

What do smart people tend to do?

Screw with “intelligent” people.

What is your advice for someone who doesn’t want to get a job or work but is doing it because she/he needs to?

Your life is your own. If you lie to yourself about your “needs” when do your lies end? If you really need to not work, this is a hard reality you need to prove to yourself. People can see through bullshit, so your reasons have to make good sense.

How do you get a girl to say yes without offending her?

If you’re worth it, let her make the first move… then, play hard to get.

“A busy, vibrant, goal-oriented woman is so much more attractive than a woman who waits around for a man to validate her existence.”

-- Mandy Hale

What should you do if a girl says no to you but continues talking to you in a non-romantic way?

She doesn’t want to be romantic with you, but she likes you as a friend.

How can leaders build constructive communication practices within a team?

They had better learn how, or they will be replaced as team leaders when “constructive communication" rapidly turns to shit.

What does it mean when your wife calls you the wrong name when having sex?

She’s having more sex than you are.

Do you know specifically what blocks your success?

Nothing. Success deals with life, not with attaining goals. I made the conscious decision to strive for true happiness always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. The only way this decision changes is if I change it. That would be counterproductive to my happiness. 

Can you think of better things to talk about?

Always.

What do I do? My new boyfriend is making me choose between me and my kids.

What do you think? They are your kids, your family. Do you really think about choosing? For a boyfriend?

"You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them."

-- Desmond Tutu

Is it common for women to marry their daughters' boyfriends?

I don’t think so, but… damn! Lucky guy!

How can we justify our moral principles (beliefs)?

If my moral principles are morally and ethically good, I have no reason to justify them… to anyone.

What are some good answers when asked if you like kids?

“As long as they’re not mine.”

“When are they leaving?”

“As long as they’re not staying the night.”

“Only if they’re in college.”

Even if I have two hands, I can't clap. who am I?

A person suffering from diplegia, affecting the arms?

Why do people buy new outfits for every occasion?

For every occasion? Do they like being in debt? What happens to the old outfit from last year? People who do this probably have no respect for money, no creativity, or they have money to burn.

My friend set me up with a guy and now she's upset he is into me. Why?

Jealousy. You, obviously, have more "talent" than she does.

“You can only be jealous of someone who has something you think you ought to have yourself.”

-- Margaret Atwood

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 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 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