Not Amusing Any More
Keeping America's Promises
Not Amusing Any More
I love my dog, Tai. He’s affectionate, protective, and generally obedient. But he has a deplorably greedy nature. If he could speak, I’m sure he’d tell you that he’s being treated unfairly – cruelly deprived because he isn’t permitted to grab every available scrap of food. At these times, he becomes demanding, and his behavior is unacceptable. It was amusing when he was a puppy. He’s fully grown now. It’s not amusing any more.
Likewise, certain people react badly to not getting their own way. They can be charming, engaging, and often quite entertaining. Until someone says no. That’s when the fangs appear and the behavior deteriorates. Greedy personalities will happily disrupt everyone’s well-being to get what they want. They’re insatiable. And exhausting.
I’ve taken a firm stand at home. My dog now understands that incessant whining won’t get him additional treats. Now that he’s gotten the message, harmony and order have been restored.
This is probably a good guide for dealing with unacceptable behavior in people. Foul language, name-calling, lies, threats, acting out – these are techniques people use when they can’t rely on facts. This is how bullies behave. I’m firmly saying no.
Creating a thriving and harmonious society begins with naming those things we refuse to tolerate. Behavior does matter. A poorly behaved person, like a poorly trained dog, is impossible to control. And exhausting.
It’s not amusing any more.
