Ann Landers was well known for the excellent, helpful advice she
gave to people over the decades.
Here is an excerpt from a piece of advice she gave to a reader on
how to get along with people.
If you follow these ten points you can't go wrong in your
interactions with others. Enjoy!
Keep skid chains on your tongue; always say less than you think.
Cultivate a low, persuasive voice. How you say it counts more than
what you say.
Make promises sparingly, and keep them faithfully, no matter
what it costs.
Never let an opportunity pass to say a kind and encouraging word
to or about somebody. Praise good work, regardless of who did it.
If criticism is needed, criticize helpfully, never spitefully.
Be interested in others, their pursuits, their work, their homes
and families. Make merry with those who rejoice; with those who
weep, mourn. Let everyone you meet, however humble, feel that you
regard him as a person of importance.
Be cheerful. Don't burden or depress those around you by
dwelling on your minor aches and pains and small disappointments.
Remember, everyone is carrying some kind of a load.
Keep an open
mind. Discuss but don't argue. It is a mark of a superior mind
to be able to disagree without being disagreeable.
Let your virtues speak for themselves. Refuse to talk of
another's vices. Discourage gossip. It is a waste of valuable time
and can be extremely destructive.
Be careful of another's feelings. Wit and humor
at the other person's expense are rarely worth it and may hurt
when least expected.
Pay no attention to ill-natured remarks about you. Remember, the
person who carried the message may not be the most accurate
reporter in the world. Simply live so that nobody will believe
them. Disordered nerves and bad digestion are a common cause of
backbiting.
Don't be too anxious about the credit due you. Do your best, and
be patient.
Forget about yourself, and let others "remember". Success
is much sweeter that way.
Excellent advice! Be sure to incorporate it into your daily
interactions with others.
Ann Landers was well known for the excellent, helpful advice she
gave to people over the decades.