What's It All About, Charlie?

I sometimes have to wonder about people? Why do some folks feel it is necessary to write or say mean-spirited things about other people intentionly and with malice for no apparent reason other than to try to inflict harm and to cause hurt feelings.

At the moment, I am thinking of my own 22-year-old adult niece, Charlie (Charlotte) Hansen, who has taken it upon herself to lambast me on the internet, especially on Facebook, on my own Roland's Ramblings blog, and in instant messages amongst her friends and even with other members of my own family. I have always treated Charlie kindly. I had never said an unkind word to her and I have always acted friendly towards Charlie. I had thought we had a good relationship; that is, until just a few weeks ago when she began to openly malign me from out of nowhere. I see no rhyme or reason for her written attacks upon me.

Why such disrespect? Why such vicious venom? What does this say about me; or, better yet, what does this say about her?

Well, perhaps, I should take a clue from Charlie. Back on January 28, 2011, I posted the following on my Facebook wall:
Respect. That is a seven letter word. What is your definition of the word "respect?"
To that posted comment, Charlie wrote on my Facebook wall two responses on January 30, 2011:
"Respect is not something your born with; it's something you earn. So many people need to realize that just because you have a few wrinkles on your face, and your skin is starting to sag, your word is not supreme. Damned snowbirds..."
"Do take care and maybe consider showing your family a bit more respect. As from the many conversations I have personally held, many family members already have no respect for you."

For a bit more about some of my thoughts on all of this, just go on over to read a few entries from my Roland's Ramblings blog:
Napoleon Complex; Short Man’s Syndrome
Sticks and Stones
“Ignorance is bliss.”

Modern electronic communication technology is fantastic. However, it seems to me that with the advent of e-mail, "texting," internet social networks, and all that ilk, our modern society is losing the intimacy and social graces of the courtesy and respect that are all part of interpersonal, face-to-face, communications.

Given that these electronic media of communication to which I reference do not allow for nonverbal communication and body language cues or for an instant exchange of meaningful feedback, I pose the qhestion:
What's It All About, Charlie?

On a brighter note, I suggest you read Judy's Jewels blog entry:
What’s It all About……Alfie

Learn From Mistakes

Judge not, lest ye be judged.

Every one makes mistakes. Even me. But all too often, others rush to judgement when it comes to the other person who has made some mistake.

A smart person will learn from his or her own mistakes. However, a truly smart person will not only learn from his or her own mistakes, but will also learn from the mistakes of others. That is why I so much appreciate a recent blog entry of As the Spirtit Moves Me by Nina Amir.

Click on over to read the blog entry:
Lessons learned from Christina Aguilera’s Super Bowl Mistake.