“Burnishing the old resolution again”

By

Gerry Niskern

My New Year’s resolution is the same one I have made for years. I just get it out and polish it up again.

The trait that I do like and value in another person is the ability to speak exactly the same with whomever they are talking . I think the habit of speaking the same with the bosses wife, the friend of your child, your pastor, a toddler, an official is a habit that I have strived to practice.

A person full of grace does no change tone, facial expression or their smile as the occasion dictates. Anyone who has practiced this democratic approach to life conveys the concept that they value the recipient of their remarks for who they are; not someone younger, or of a different social class, or different sex, but just a fellow human being.

I always admire a person dealing with the public who addresses everyone in the same straight forward direct tone and manner. They don’t speak condescendingly to a child or “sweety, sweet” to a senior.

I will admit that when I observe a friend  changing their tone of voice or manner in speaking to a new acquaintance of different stature, I am very disappointed. There is something dishonest about that habit.

Somewhere along in my life, I don’t know when, I decided to strive to speak  to everyone the same. I hope I have succeeded this past year and hope to do the same this year.

Feel free to borrow my resolution. You might like it!