Questioning Purpose, Relationships, Superiority, Dislikes, Accidents, and Opinions

“They say a good love, is one that sits you down, gives you a drink of water, and pats you on top of the head. But I say a good love, is one that casts you into the wind, sets you ablaze, makes you burn through the skies, and ignites the night like a phoenix; the kind that cuts you loose like a wildfire and you can't stop running simply because you keep on burning everything that you touch! I say that's a good love; one that burns and flies, and you run with it!”

-- C. JoyBell C.

What’s the ultimate purpose of running?

Exercise the heart and exercise the body. Walking and running, with a good diet, can keep the weight off. I walk more than a mile at about 3:00 each morning, weather permitting.

What are 2 or 3 problems you are facing in 2024 that you don’t want to face anyone, not your family, friends, or relatives?

Getting older, a shaky memory, and a desire for unforgiving sex.

Why do I not act like an adult? I’m 18. Am I stupid or ignorant?

You are at that age where this question rears its ugly head. I finally joined the Air Force to answer the question. I stayed in for 23 years to answer it. You aren’t stupid or ignorant. You are just young, trying to be an adult. Give it time, and give yourself some time, as well.

Why doesn’t defending your self-respect/pride/ego count as self-defense?

It does, for those of us defending ourselves.

Did people have big families back then because they didn't have effective birth control, or because they needed to continue the human species?

Using effective birth control was one issue. Drinking too much alcohol might have contributed to it. Wanting a big family was the excuse. I don’t think continuing the species entered the minds of many.

How can we let children be children in this day and age?

Take them to a playground. Bring a picnic lunch. Let them be kids.

 

“By making eye contact, getting down to your child's level, offering a touch, or using a tone of your voice that conveys a desire to genuinely connect, you disarm yourself. You make it possible to reach your child more deeply and truly move forward together.”

-- Hilary Flower

Is sex necessary in a relationship?

Not really. But it sure helps.

What are simple steps to control anger?

My dad always said to take a deep breath and count to ten, and if this doesn’t work, rip his head off. Sage advice from a short Sicilian.

Who believes women are superior to males?

Given the opportunity, they can surpass us.

How many failures are a clue to just give up?

For many, it only takes one. For those who understand that failure is life presenting us with an opportunity to learn… we learn. “Many failures” are a worn-out welcome, telling you you’re on the wrong road to success. But, never give up. Take a break and attack it when you’re fresh. Keep at it until you finally find the solution and beat it down.

What should I do if my daughter is an idiot?

She is your daughter. You can still show love to an idiot.

I'm a 22-year-old single mom from Wisconsin who lives with a mom who always puts me down and calls me hurtful names. I want to just pack my kid up and run away. What should I do?

Get a job, pack your kid up, and leave. But, not before you have a serious discussion about your loss of a mother, with your mother.

 

“If mental abuse was a punishable crime, a lot of parents would be in jail serving a long term.”

-- Maddy Malhotra

 

What makes someone superior to others?

An overactive ego.

Is it necessary to establish a "universal set of moral values," or is the current state acceptable?

I established a personal set of moral and ethical values that I can stand by. The “current state” does not even come close to being acceptable for someone who wants much more than the crap everybody accepts as the norm. A "universal set" will not work for everyone.

If people think you really are clever, why do they keep having to tell you?

They want to make sure that you don’t forget. And, they probably like you.

How do you live with someone who puts you down every day?

I don’t. This is a situation that negates creativity and a positive self-image. I let it go for 25 years. I was an idiot. I filed for a divorce in 2000 and have been happy ever since.

Why are you still lying to everyone?

Well, not everyone.

Do you think they respect you too?

No. I don’t go out of my way to be respected. I respect those who respect me. It is a pretty easy rule to follow. If they don’t respect me, it is their loss, not mine. Life is too short to fight for a modicum of respect.

 

“Respect was invented to cover the empty place where love should be.”

-- Leo Tolstoy

Why are people we dislike the most the people we see often?

Not so, where I’m concerned. For one, I can’t count a person I really dislike. And I see all my acquaintances often. So, your premise is a little faulty.

How do you act around people who annoy you?

I stay away from them. Why hang around people that annoy you?

Should we believe someone when they say they are not a good person?

They know themselves better than we do, and where they set their “bar” may be much different than where we set ours. What they see as “bad” may be an opinion different from ours.

What do you call someone who never backs down on people?

Tenacious.

How do you respond to people calling you judgemental?

Hah! That’s a laugh. The one thing I’m not is judgmental. This site requires that we judge, to give someone an honest appraisal. But, for someone to call me “judgmental” is a stretch for anyone who knows me.

Is it fair for people to judge others negatively without knowing them personally?

I try not to judge. They will judge themselves when they interact with me… or not.

 

“Never judge someone's character based on the words of another. Instead, study the motives behind the words of the person casting the bad judgment. An honest woman can sell tangerines all day and remain a good person until she dies, but there will always be naysayers who will try to convince you otherwise. Perhaps this woman did not give them something for free or at a discount. Perhaps too, she refused to stand with them when they were wrong — or just stood up for something she felt was right. And also, it could be that some bitter women are envious of her, or that she rejected the advances of some very proud men. Always trust your heart. If the Creator stood before a million men with the light of a million lamps, only a few would truly see him because truth is already alive in their hearts. Truth can only be seen by those with truth in them. He who does not have Truth in his heart will always be blind to her.”

-- Suzy Kassem

How do I tell my daughter that I accidentally slept with her husband?

Accidentally? Really? You’re going to use that? And, what is his excuse?

In a situation where you accidentally did something wrong, would you take responsibility for your actions or try to shift the blame onto others if possible?

Have you seen the question where the mom “accidentally” slept with her daughter’s husband?

What are some things you simply cannot avoid in the workplace?

Fraternization. 

Why do cowards not let anyone reply to their questions?

This question makes my eyebrows knit. Why ask a question if they don’t want an answer? They may be cowards, but they have no idea what this site is designed for. They may be cowards, but they are, probably, ignorant as well.

I have no gumption, desire, or any goals in life. I’m just sad. Why can't I end it?

You are more brave than the cowardice it takes to end it.

Why do some people receive punishment for every minor action they take?

They are submissive to a madame who delights in dealing punishment for any minor action the submissive does. The submissive looks forward to punishment. It is what they live for.

 

“She wasn't afraid of him, and he liked that. He didn't want a meek mouse, no matter that he wanted someone utterly submissive. There was a difference between submissive and spineless.”

-- Maya Banks

Can it be true that one should never allow anyone to make you feel like you are not good enough?

Absolutely! Never pay attention to people who judge you. You have made it this far.

Author's comment: Well said, thank you.

Why did the young soldiers in WW2 have so much more pride in their country than the current generations?

Parenting. Some factions have no clue what communism will be like, yet they vote for the likes of Joe Biden. Mexico has a new President, and she is inviting the Chinese to open manufacturing plants in-country. Mexico is going down the road to communism, and we might be following. Pride in our country? Half of the country could give a shit.

Do people answer wishes?

Who else would answer wishes, except other people?

What helps you stay positive during the day?

I’m 70 years old. I have retired twice. I have divorced once. I strive to be truly happy, always and in all things, regardless of my circumstances. It is a choice I have made for my life, and life is a hoot.

What is the definition of being blamed for something you didn't do or weren't responsible for?

To be “wrongly accused”?

Is it justifiable to seek revenge? Or should forgiveness always be the preferred option? Why or why not?

Revenge will focus karma on you. Having karma paying attention to you is not a good thing. The preferred option is forgiveness. Karma may get to you just before trying to cross a street. You may redefine “road kill” for many others. Karma strikes when you least expect it. It is better to be on the good side of it, and forgiveness will get you there.

"The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury."

-- Marcus Aurelius

 

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 in 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