This is Peanut Butter Brickle. I have heard a lot of things in my time. Words that are nice. Words that hurt. Words that are necessary. Words that are unnecessary.
I’ve never wanted to be able to speak person. Barks are good enough for me. And Fruitycake says that grumbling is much more useful. I agree. Especially when you meet someone on a trail and they decide to use their words in a hurtful way.
Girl Person was having a bit of a rough day, missing Digby. The sun wasn’t shining. And we were taking her for a hike to cheer her up. Fruitycake was making her forget her troubles because she was having to carry him thru alot of puddles.
And behind us came another person. We got off the trail with Fruitycake in Girl Person’s arms. I wasn’t particularly fast. And I wasn’t fast enough for this person who gave us one look and said “I don’t like dogs. I am not a dog person.” Girl Person didn’t even know what to say. And I was so glad all I could do was keep the barks to myself. No one wanted to hear that.
Now. This person may have been nervous or scared of dogs. I can understand that. I am scared of some people. But to say something hurtful for no reason but to make someone else feel uncomfortable or less than is not necessary. Those are unnecessary words.
As Girl Person opened her mouth to say something hurtful too, she stopped. Two wrongs did not make a right. She simply moved aside. Sometimes, silence is the hardest thing to practice.
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Girl Person says the strongest words aren’t said out loud. But the strongest words are said by example.
Did the words hurt? Yes. Yes. Very much. When we are judged by our appearance or anything else, we feel bad. Sad. Mad. I guess that’s what others want. But there are some I suppose who simply don’t think before they speak. I hope that they learn.
Being calm is being kind. When we need to speak up, we should. But in a rational way. Learn to show kindness to those who may not deserve it. It’s the right thing to do. And always use your words wisely when it’s the right time.
–Peanut Butter Brickle
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So, you guys and Girl Person did the right thing. “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nut’n’ at all.” And so that other mean person should not have spoken at all. Maybe “Good morning” would have been good. But holding your tongue was the best thing you could do. Maybe they were having a bad day, too, like Girl Person was. Maybe they’re just not very nice. But maybe they were trying to start some sort of argument. But, guess what? They didn’t get one! Bravo for all three of you. But maybe Fruitycake could have grumbled sort of quietly so they didn’t hear him.
Aw sorry you guys had to deal with that. As a kid I was bit by a German shepherd while I was riding my bike. But I still love doggies. Some larger dogs do make me nervous but I still love them and won’t talk bad or mean… it is a rainy day here so Crystal 🐾 and I will watch TV and snuggle on the couch 🐾🐕🦺❤🙂