"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you", known as the "golden rule. In my family we where all brought up learning the golden rule. I had a wooden ruler during grade school that had the rule engraved on it. The golden rule is usually associated with Christianity even though it was a code of behavior that many religions adopted. On the surface, it seems like a good principal to live by; after all, why treat anyone in a way that you wouldn’t want to be treated. As I got older and experienced different personalities, I found the rule didn’t completely apply to all. It depended on how others interpreted it. So let’s break down the phrase. The rule states that you should treat others the way you want to be treated. For this to be successful, it would require everyone to be the same. I know the way I want to be treated is not the same as my friends do.
Instead of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” let’s try “Do unto others as they would do unto themselves.” In other words, treat people the way they want to be treated, not the way you would want to be treated. I believe that we have the responsibility to “educate” our friends and family about how we want to be treated. If you don’t like the way people are treating you, then you have to do something about it. They do have your best interests at heart, so they should be receptive. It is also our responsibility to ask others how they want to be treated by us. So, I modified my rule to state: “Do unto others as THEY want to be treated”.
I am open to criticism. Those who know me well can stop laughing and others, don’t listen to them. I do encourage my friends to be honest and express your feelings. Well, I may not always like what people say but I do want to hear it. How can we grow and become a better friend if we don’t know what doesn’t work. It is also a learning process to understand more about the people you share your lives with. I am a woman of strong opinions but I am also a human being that needs to understand others. I know my ability to speak without thinking gets me in trouble and sometimes I am too honest. I do know a Friend is someone who knows all about you and loves you anyway! The only way to have a friend is to be one.
We are truly blessed with those in my life. We are honored to have people who care and give their heart to us. I am comforted by the blanket of kindness I receive in times of need and everyday life. I only hope I return the love and thoughtfulness to those who touch my soul.
It is great to have your world full of angels and we must remember a friend is someone who reaches for your hand, but touches your heart.
