Things Your Father Should Have Told You

I ran across a list a while back of 45 things men ought to have learned from their fathers. A few of them are worth sharing:

- Never wear a clip-on tie. This is absolutely true, because they will invariably poke out from behind your collar and make you look stupid. However, if you are a police officer or a MMA fighter, clip-on ties are okay (because you never know when some dirtbag might try to choke you with it).

- Speaking of ties, Brush your teeth before you put on your tie. The reason ought to be obvious.

- Go for women you think are "out of your league." You might surprise yourself. It works ... I found Agnes that way.

- Go with the decision that will make for a good story. I'm the reigning champion of this one.

- Don't let the little head do the thinking for the big head. Not many men pay attention to this one.

- If you're the smartest person in the room, you're in the wrong room. Always hang out with people from whom you can learn something.

And ...

- Don't change yourself just to make someone happy, unless that someone is you. That way, you'll never regret the change.

And the one I would add, perhaps above all others - Bilbo's First Law: Don't let anyone else do your thinking for you. Nowadays, it seems that most people are just fine with parroting what others say, and are too lazy to think for themselves. Don't let yourself be one of them.

If your father didn't teach you these things, be sure you pass them on to your sons. And to your daughters, as applicable. They'll roll their eyes and think you're nuts, but someday they'll understand and thank you.

Have a good day. More thoughts tomorrow.

Bilbo