I post this every now and then. I wish I could make people initial it before they enter the house. But then I expect too much anyway.
Posted on July 13, 2014 by Wirecutter
Respect
Treat my wife with more respect than you give me. She will let you know by her attitude the level of familiarity she’s comfortable with.
Do not talk shit about my family or friends to me. The very least I will do is call them in front of you and tell them. Plus you might get your ass beat.
If you cheat on your wife, stay away from me. If she can’t trust you, neither can I.
Be courteous to women and the elderly when we’re together.
My Security
Do not touch my weapons (guns or knives) without my permission. Ever.
Stay at least 2 feet away from me unless you know I have your trust.
If you are carrying a firearm, let me know before you enter my home. I won’t ask you to disarm yourself, I just want to know about it.
Telephones
If you read/answer a text or answer a call while we’re talking, I will assume our conversation is over and walk away. If it’s important, excuse yourself.
Do not ask me for my number. If I want you to have it, I will give it to you.
Do not call me before 8 AM, after 9 PM, or between 5 and 6:30 PM which is my supper time unless you’re in jail or somebody’s dead or dying.
If I don’t answer the phone the first time you call, do NOT immediately call me back. There’s a reason I didn’t answer.
Don’t expect me to answer my cell phone. I rarely carry it with me. I check my email more often than I check my phone.
Common Courtesy
If anybody interrupts our private conversation and you start talking to them, I will leave. They are obviously more important to you than I am.
If you say you’ll meet me somewhere at a certain time, be there. My time is important to me.
If you have an issue with me, come to me with it and not somebody else. I’m a reasonable man and will attempt to talk it out.
Do not, under any circumstances, give my dogs anything or attempt to discipline them. That’s my job.
Do not come to my home without calling first unless I give you my express permission. There may be things going on that are none of your business or I just may not be in the mood for company.
If you owe me money and can’t pay me, don’t avoid me. Let me know – I understand shit happens. Trust me on this.
If you borrow something and you lose it or break it, let me know. Chances are I’ll blow it off or at least help you replace it.
*****
So there you have it. They’re not hard rules to follow, as a matter of fact they’re all just pretty much common courtesy and you can expect me to follow the same rules.
I’m a nice guy, I have a thick skin and enjoy being fucked with as long as it’s not mean-spirited. I will go out of my way to help you out if I know you need help.
I’ve learned that it’s true we’re known by the company we keep. If you surround yourself with scoundrels, you’re a scoundrel. Keep the company of honorable men and women, and you’ll be known as a Person of Honor.
*********
It would be good if we taught this every year from the first grade until graduation. Be a better world I think.
Storytellers Blog 