Questioning Thoughts, Ex, Birth, Suicide, Thanks, and Children

“People can’t hear what you don’t say. Thinking isn’t communicating.”

-- Frank Sonnenberg

How come people can read my thoughts but I can’t read theirs?

They aren’t reading your thoughts. They look at your face and take a blind stab at what you might be thinking. You must be easy to read.

Why would my girlfriend say that there might be someone else in the future?

You are history. She has eyes on another person. That just sucks.

How many men can date one woman?

It depends on the woman. I’d give her 7 men, one for each day. More than that and she might confuse herself.

My girlfriend says that she might like someone else in the future. What should I do?

Dump her, now. Why wait for her to dump you?

Is there a typical amount of time for an ex to regret cheating, and try to reconcile?

Reconcile? They would be an idiot. Cheating gets into your blood. Do it once, do it many times. It is about the excitement, not about the person they cheat with.

What do I do if she is thinking of leaving me?

Leave her first. Why wait on her?

“To be rejected by someone doesn't mean you should also reject yourself, or, that you should think of yourself as a lesser person. It doesn't mean that nobody will ever love you anymore. Remember that only ONE person has rejected you at the moment, and it only hurt so much because, to you, that person's opinion symbolized the opinion of the whole world, of God.”

-- Jocelyn Soriano

Is it good to keep a friendship with your ex?

I wish I could, but I don’t trust her.

What would you advise your child, or another child, on how to live life?

Be very happy in whatever you choose to do, and whoever you have chosen to do. No drama and no regrets. If you aren’t truly happy... life will suck, sooner or later. This will be a bad thing. Always strive to be truly happy in life.

What factors can cause a man to change his views on marriage and become more committed in a relationship?

A bad divorce. You no longer think of marriage, but, you are more committed.

How would you feel if you lived an unfulfilled life?

Terrible. Thankfully, I have lived a very fulfilled life. It had its ups and downs, and some sideway motion, but through it all, I have managed to keep my head. At 70 years, I can honestly say... my life has been wonderful.

How might someone respond if their ex-boyfriend ignores them due to his new girlfriend?

He’s an EX-boyfriend. Who gives a fig. She probably has a new boyfriend.

How do you know if your ex-wife misses you?

I don’t know, and what’s more, I really don’t care. She led me on for many years, and I am so over her. Whoever she is with, God bless him. He will need God.

“Going back to your ex is like taking back your spit from the ground.”

-- M.F. Moonzajer

Do we choose our life before birth?

I’m not so sure being “aborted” is a non-life choice you know about before choosing.

Of the 20 billion married people in history, how many have had extramarital relationships?

About half. Maybe, a little more. It becomes more the closer we get to now. Where did you get 20 billion?

Why doesn't everyone in the world contribute to my life in some way?

Whoa! Don’t you have a complex? Not everyone even knows you’re alive.

Is [this site] the land of stupid questions?

There is no stupid question if it isn’t asked more than once, by the same person. I’ve written some stupid answers, though. I have no filter.

What are some arguments against believing in God, aside from the lack of proof?

The same kind of arguments for believing in God... aside from the lack of proof. 

What will happen in the afterlife if I end my own life?

You will not be reborn. That’s all there is for you. Or, you’ll be reborn back into this life until you stop killing yourself. Or, you’ll go to purgatory, to think about your actions. Whatever happens, it won’t be the best for you.

“The thought of suicide is a great consolation: by means of it one gets through many a dark night.”

-- Nietzsche

If you kill yourself, how will that affect how people view you?

I will be viewed as a coward, unable to deal with drama. But, people won't believe it.  They will be looking for murder. I am many things, but not a coward. 

How do atheists know what is right and wrong without God?

They seem to do okay, until death. Then, they find out if they are right about God.

What if my husband wants to swap partners but I don’t?

Then don’t. Your life is not his. He may be looking for a divorce, and you should be thinking about it. Talk to him seriously about this.

How would you respond if I came near you, without any physical contact, and I tell you, that you must be afraid of me, as I can get angry easily?

23 years in Air Force Intelligence. Bring it. You might learn a thing or two about fear. You can’t just think you can threaten someone you don’t know. They could be more frightening than you think you are. It might not end well.

What do I do if my boyfriend asked me to send him pictures?

Send him pictures. How hard is that?

Are you happy when you buy things?

I am happiest when I see families enjoying each other, especially the father. “Dadification” has not spread enough for my taste. More dads need to be involved in family life.

"Anyone who tells you, fatherhood is the greatest thing that can happen to you, they are understating it."

-- Mike Myers

I am tired of saying "I appreciate it." What else can I say instead?

Thank you.

Is it okay to kill an annoying dog?

It isn’t okay to kill the irresponsible owner of the annoying dog, so no. You can’t kill the annoying dog because the owner will get a more annoying dog, as a replacement. Talk to the owner, then call animal control.

What do you regret that you wished you did more of?

Mildred.

I had sex with a prostitute. Now I'm feeling guilty. What should I do now?

Don’t ever have sex with a prostitute ever again. There is nothing wrong with it, if you aren’t married., except for the dangers of contracting an STD or AIDS. If you are married, I’d be very guilty and concerned. Have your doctor check you out.

What do you call a person who wants it his way?

Selfish.

What does “you’ve really done it this time” mean?

You are in deep shit, Bucko! The shit has hit the fan! Whatever you did is going to come back to haunt you. The best thing you can do is try to fix whatever you did.

“As police officers, we’re ready to put our lives on the line to save the lives of others. We may joke and kid around with each other, sometimes, but when the shit hits the fan, it’s time to rock and roll. You don’t think about dying. The adrenaline takes over and you react. Seldom do you have time to think about what you are doing. Instead, you think about staying alive, at all costs, even if it means breaking the rules. Deep down, you know you need to survive, just to avoid putting your family and friends through that hell.”

-- Jason Medina

Can my ex leave her children with me without my permission while I am moving out?

Not if it isn’t your time with the kids, or they aren't your kids. If it is, and they are, you should have planned better.

Why is it that some people get married and continue to divorce? If by the third marriage, why didn't you just stay single?

Ignorance, in lieu of saying stupidity. Try marrying your “bestest” friend. Or, do what I did after my divorce. I found a woman I have been with for over 20 years. We aren’t married, but we are great friends.

Reader comment: Celebrities Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were great friends before they started dating. It is good advice to be friends with someone first.

My reply: Indeed. 

I hate children. Why do they even exist? They're annoying as f#%k.

You were annoying as f#%k? Unbelievable.

Have you ever experienced getting tired of giving help without receiving any in return, even when you may need it later on in life?

I get tired, but not from giving help with no payback. I just get tired from helping. Unfortunately, it is what I do, being retired… twice. “Later in life” is why I have a “partner in life.” Helping people is a “selfless” project I do with a smile.

Would a woman at 25 be considered a young girl?

No. She is a young woman.

What is your argument to disprove an atheist?

Neither party, atheist and theist, can come up with a cogent argument to disprove each other. The best they can do is shut the hell up and wait until they die. They both may find death is final. Or, the theist may find another life after this one, while the atheist will never know. Nobody has any proof until they die. They could be both wrong.

“People should be left to believe what they like, so long as they harm no one else. Apart from normal expectations of politeness, it is not however clear why people should require their personal beliefs to be treated with special sensitivity by others, to the point that if others fail to tip-toe respectfully around them they will start throwing bombs.”

-- A. C. Grayling

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