And to live happily ever after.

I’d rather get under other people’s skin rather than allow them to get under mine. In that endeavor, I have pretty much succeeded. I’ve developed a thick skin. Maybe thicker than an elephant’s. I don’t let other people bother me. I take umbrage with ‘em. Call them out. But I don’t get irritated. To the point of fuming. Or losing sleep. Instead, I just have my say. Like here in this blog. It’s a nice release. Keeps me content. And happy. In the process, I’m learning to treat people very much like I treat myself. Kindly. Considerately. That is, if they return the kindness and consideration. If they don’t, I’m perfectly capable of getting under their skin. Yes, I can be very annoying. Which is all right. To annoy a Republican, for instance, can be a very pleasing and gratifying experience. Downright fulfilling. At the same time, I don’t allow the Republican to get under my skin. I retain the upper hand. Maybe in that regard, I’m a little bit sadistic. I not only plunge a knife beneath the skin, I twist it. Because that’s exactly the way Republicans tend to operate. Especially those from the lunatic fringe of the GOP. I want to give them their just dues. Anyway, one must learn to deal with the realities of life. Not everyone is a nice guy. I’m nice to nice people. Very nice. But when it comes to not-so-very-nice people, I can be not-so-very-nice. I don’t always believe in turning the other cheek. Sometimes, yes. Other times, no. My conscience and basic instincts allow me to be flexible. And to live happily ever after. –Jim Broede