This Year, I Wish OTHER People Would…
We all know about making our own New Year’s Resolutions, and yes, I do have a few for myself (heck, who doesn’t?) but what about those OTHER people? You know the ones. The people who annoy you. The next door neighbors who park in front of your house. Or play their music too loud when you’re trying to have a quiet family barbecue.
I went to my fellow Cigars to ask them: What New Year’s Resolution do you wish OTHER people would make? And I got a few funny and interesting responses :-)
From Tawny: I wish my husband would resolve to shower me with romance in 2008. A surprise weekend away, an unexpected bouquet of flowers, the random present here and there. Walks, just the two of us, to chat about nothing and dinners out together (again, no kids) where he arranged the babysitter and picked the restaurant so we don't have the 20 minute back and forth of "where do you want to go?" "Oh, I don't care, where do you feel like eating?" and maybe some extra cuddle time when I'm stressed.
Yeah... that's what I wish he'd resolve to do but I'd settle for a resolution to move the car parts out of the way so I can get to the washer & dryer without tripping.”
Oh, I hear ya, sister! I, for one, wish my husband would do that AND finish those little Honey-Do projects around the house. Just one a week would be nice. Heck, at this point, I’d take one a MONTH.
From Dee: Hmmm, well, the first thing that comes to mind is, "Please God, resolve to carry breath mints!" but I really hope more folks resolve to give one heartfelt compliment a day. You never know when someone might need it.
I totally agree! I think being nice to others is an under-done thing. Just be gracious, and kind. I remember one time our pastor said not to get out of sorts over someone cutting you off in traffic or running a red light, because you never know if they are rushing to get to the hospital or what is going on in their lives.
From Sam: Right now, I'd like the garbage men to actually place the containers back where they are supposed to be with the lids on, not half thrown across the driveway so I can't get in, and the lids about twenty feet away.... But that's rather mundane... thinking a little larger, I wish all the people at my local grocery store would stop using plastic and paper bags and buy the nice fabric ones they offer for 99 cents. The bags are great, you can fit more in them, they are more comfortable to carry, and you're helping the environment. I wish the store would just get rid of bags altogether and force people to bring their own...especially when I look outside and see someone's plastic grocery bag flying down the street or hung up in a tree... Huh. I'm thinking a lot about garbage today... LOL.
LOL, Sam. I do recycle my plastic bags, in my recycle bins and reuse them for a million different things. But yes, those garbage men can do many annoying things. I’d love it if my neighbors would put their trash out at a reasonable time, rather than dragging it noisily down their driveway at three in the morning.
From Karen Foley: Well, I must be feeling grouchy today, because this isn't usually an issue for me, but I really, really wish my coworkers would make a New Year's Resolution to discontinue making personal phone calls at their desks. I have no interest in hearing about how this one woman's dog has an infection in his penis, or how this other woman cut her back after the glass table she tried to dance on shattered beneath her, and she is going to sue the you-know-what out of the owner of the nightclub, because the resulting scar has really ruined the tattoo she has on her lower back. And that's just a small sampling...
LOL! But think of all the great plot and character ideas they’re giving you! ;-)
From Karen Kendall: I wish a certain relative of mine would resolve to be kinder to her parents. They may not be perfect, but they've given her years of unflagging love and support, a stable home and a wonderful education. They continue to try to maintain a relationship with her even in the face of disrespect, ingratitude and abuse. They deserve so much better, and it makes me sad.
Sigh. I think we all have a relative like that. Life is too short, IMO, for anything like that.
Hugs all around for everyone!
Now it’s YOUR turn--what resolution do YOU wish OTHER people would make???
I’ll draw a name from the people who post and send out a copy of PRETTY BAD, featuring my badly-behaved heroine, Madison Worth! :-).
Shirley
Blushing
I forgot to send my Cigars resolution, so my own personal resolution is to get more organized, keep my daily list of things to do where I can find it, and then actually look at it!
Resolution for other people: I would like it if the people who drive those big honking RVs down our two lane highway at 40 mph would pull over after they have five or six cars stacked up behind them. I know a lot of people drive RVs slow to get better gas mileage, but pulling over when the opportunity arises wouldn't hurt their gas mileage any.
Whew--glad to finally be able to get that off my chest.
Jeannie
Jeannie
LOL!
I agree with Jeannie!
Others: I wish others would open their eyes to the people around them and try being more considerate. It would make things so much easier...in sooooo many ways!
Me?: Practice what I preach. I get pretty frustrated when others are inconsiderate and lost in their own momentum. It's easy for me to get peeved when someone cuts me off in traffic...or like Jeannie mentioned...goes slow in the fast lane, allowing traffic to back up. I get pissed at people in the grocery store when they stop with their cart in front of an item I need, and they are standing there reading a label while I stand (being sarcastic here) patiently waiting for them to move on.
Chelle
No RV problems here..
I think it's just where I live, because my state is not exactly hot on the vacation routes, but I have that issue with Semis. I hate when there are two, one in each lane, so there's no passing either one.
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
How space do we have here? ;)
Because just off the top of my head, I can think of about a million resolutions I wish other people would make this year. :)
A sampling would be one, that my MIL resolve to mind her own business. I love her dearly--she helps me out whenever I need her. But you give the woman an inch and she takes a mile. Two, I'd love it if the parents of the kids I babysit for would call me if they're not going to show up and, likewise, call me if they ARE going to show up when not scheduled. And three, that my DH take into consideration that I spend all week cooped up in the house with children. Come the weekend, I need a break!
Way to get me worked up, Shirley! :)
LOL, Sassa!
I think everyone has someone in their lives who sticks their nose in more than it's wanted!
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
We must have a car theme going...
Hey Shirley,
I wish people would resolved to stop talking on their cell phones while driving their cars. Driving has become scary enough without having people become distracted by conversation, whether they are holding the phone or not. It's not been legislated here...yet. :-) Geez. That sounds grumpy. I'm really not grumpy. lol
Since I just got hit by a
Since I just got hit by a person running a red light while talking on the phone I could certainly support your resolution.
No, I'll second this one
I hate this -- I can honestly say I never talk on my cell in my car. I will ignore a call until I can take it I saw a 20/20 once where a mother was telling the story of actually hearing her daughter get in the car crash and die because she was on the phone and not paying attention. It made an impression. There's no one I need to have a conversation with urgently enough to risk myself or someone else.
It is legislated here, and yet I can drive a mile from here to the grocery store and find 10 people on phones -- many of whom obviously aren't paying attention. Drives me wild that the cops don't crack down on this somehow... They are spending all this time and money here in Syracuse "booting" people's cars who have unpaid parking tickets, but someone's driving with their phone, and I don't see any effort to crack down on that...
I'm not grumpy either, but I don't want my life, or someone I love, in danger because someone couldn't wait to take their phone call, or pull over to take it.
Sam
I am much more angry with
I am much more angry with people talking on cell phones and driving since about 2 weeks before Christmas I was hit by a woman talking on the phone and running a red light. Fortunately I was turning a corner and she hit me across the front end.
I agree on the cell phone thing..
I end up handing mine to the kids to talk for me if mine rings while I'm driving. It's just one too many things to do.
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
Hey Shirley, Happy New Year
Okay, I must have been in some weird mood about garbage that day, LOL. Don't ask me....
What do I wish other people would do today? Be kind to their animals, and animals in general. Big abuse, cruelty, obviously has to stop, but then there are the little things like don't leave them out in the yard on leashes, make sure you feed them well, play with them, exercise them, let them interact with the family, make sure they know they're wanted and welcome. Make them part of the family.
Sam
Garbage Collectors
I don't know, Sam...it must be a thing with the trash guys, because I find my barrels halfway down the street, and my lids all over the front yard and it IS annoying! But I totally agree with you on the kindness to animals. I was just down on the floor with my big baby, an 85-lb rescue dog whom I adore, rubbing his belly and telling him how glad I was that we found him. I think he realizes he's a pretty lucky guy, too, because he just gave me this big, tongue-lolling grin.
LOL, Karen...
Because we have a rescue dog who clearly doesn't know how lucky he is. He is the most incorrigible thing ever. I keep telling him he should count his blessings and stay out of the trash and quit tracking mud in the house and stop barking when I'm in the middle of writing a heavy scene, because there was a really cute beagle I was also considering, but he doesn't seem to get it. ;-)
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
Because it's much easier from my perspective...
I wish people who aren't suited to parenting (read, anyone whose style I can't stand! ;)) would resolve not to have children. Please don't have several, and then ignore them and then glare at me when I step in when they're mowing down smaller children at the playground or something else thoughtless. Argh! (Sorry, this is a hot topic for me, and as queen of the universe, I'd like to require parenting licenses--which I'd probably fail the application for myself, but I can still dream in that world that I rule!)
On a lighter note, I wish people would resolve to be more considerate of others, like not rushing for the last close parking space and cutting someone off or filling my e-mail box with forwarded spam :)
And Tawny, can I steal yours for my DH? And, Karen F, I'm SO sorry that you've such wretchedly inconsiderate (and loud) co-workers, but I couldn't help laughing--hee!
Steal away
I'm glad to share :-)
I wish people(I live in
I wish people(I live in town)would make a resolution to keep their dogs from barking at night. Can't they hear them? I can!
These are the dogs
Who need to be inside, not outside, all night. Call your local police, SPCA, or Humane Society. There are also noise ordinances. Chances are, if an animal is outside all night, it's not being cared for as it should be.
Sam
In fact...
Check with your local animal experts about tethering laws in your state -- many states are making it illegal to leave dogs tethered for longer than 2 hours (or various other lengths of time). Leaving a dog tied outside is a form of abuse, according to the Humane Society, so that can be reported as well. You could be doing those dogs a favor.
Unchain Your Dog -- Click Here
Sam
We had neighbors like that...
When I was a kid. Back then, no one did anything when you called about a dog like that. We felt so bad for the poor dog that we'd sneak it extra food and some toys and stuff. Poor thing. They'd always die young, and the neighbor would always get another one. Then HE died young of a heart attack (like in his 50s) and his wife and kids got another dog...but spoiled it like crazy. So it was him, not the family.
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
I wish the family across the
I wish the family across the street would resolve to be nicer to each other and stop the screaming and swearing. Also that they would stop the incessant honking and tire screeching. They have actually called the police on each other. Or maybe I wish they would resolve to move!!!!!
LOL, I think we're in the same neighborhood!
Last night is the last day before school starts again and my neighbors were up till midnight with an OUTDOOR party that was totally obnoxious, keeping my youngest up too. If I could have moved last night, I would have!
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
In general...
Just be nicer. I live in the DC Metro area (aka Maryland) and people are just plain snarky! I'm from NY and I think these people are rude. Getting in line ahead of me and my child does not make you a better person. It feels like everyone is in a race, here. Oh, now I'm getting snarky. Happy place...happy place...
An easy one for me
I wish some people in my life would think about making it Christmas all year long in regards to how they treat others. No one's perfect, including me (gasp!) but I really do make an effort to try not to hurt others or say thoughtless things if I can help it. With several friends this year (3 to be exact) I found that although I loved the thoughtful Christmas gifts they gave me, some of the things that have come out of their mouths recently I would happily return if I could. I even said I'd forego Christmas gifts from these people permanently if only they'd make the same effort to monitor what comes out of their mouths as I do.
I can dream, right? :)
I wish the people who begged
I wish the people who begged and begged me to come work for them in their secondhand store would be civil to me and dh now that I have quit the job. The lady is especially rude: she won't even say hi after all I did for them and they were nice to me at the time. She got on her high horse and....
I said working for friends can ruin a relationship and it did BUT they wanted me to take over for them when they were gone and said that others had said I would be good. I am too timid and things happened.
That's just not right, Robyn
Hugs to you. Some people are just not gracious.
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
You know...
I just realized I was skimming and had read Tawny's post as "I wish my husband would shower with me..." ROTFLMAO.... I thought, well, why not? and then went and saw Fedora, I think, said she wanted the same thing, and I was going to joke, "Why would Fedora want to shower with Tawny's husband?" (nothing against Tawny's husband) but went back first to check the blog, and realized I had read it wrong, heh.
Though I think it's a perfectly fine resolution, to resolve to shower more with your wife...
*EG*
Sam
LOL!!
Besides, think of all the water we'd be saving ;)
Oh wait, that's not the point, is it?
LOL, Sam...
And that's why you write for Blaze ;-)
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
Quiet please!
I wish people would stop talking so loud on their cell phones on the bus, train or in the street. I wish they would realize how obnoxious they are when they're speaking so loudly in public and letting everybody know their business.
Especially the ones who talk...
on those earpieces and look totally CRAZY like they are talking to themselves.
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
I wish other people would
I wish we would all treat each other the way we want to be treated the Golden rule thing.
I agree, Beth!
Well said.
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
I wish other people would
use their blinkers. While I realize that there are many books and televsion shows that feature people who can read minds and see into the future, I wish all the drivers around here would realize that this is fiction so relying upon others to read your mind is not a good driving technique.
LOL, Maureen!
I hear you on that! I saw a woman in a brand-spanking new $75,000 car that she had literally just bought (we get temporary plates here that have 30 day expirations on them so you know what day they bought it) and she's weaving in and out, tailgating and not using a directional at all.
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
Resolutions
I wish people would resolve to stop talking bad about people behind their backs. If you can't find something nice to say about someone, then you shouldn't say anything at all. Everyone has at least some good qualities and people should try to remember them, instead of the bad qualities.
Shirley this is a very good blog. I enjoyed reading it very much. Mads:)
Thanks, Mads!
And I totally agree iwth you! Life is too short to be saying bad things about other people!
Shirley
New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author
Available Now: REALLY SOMETHING, Zebra Books
She's looking for revenge...he's looking for answers. Getting even has never been so much fun!
www.shirleyjump.com or read “Eating my Words”
Resolutions for others
Hail to the Redskins!
That the Redskins would play better football next season, lol
Seriously, I just got a fundraiser in the mail from my neice that I had seen three days previously. Why couldn't my SIL have her speak to me personally or pick up the phone. With cell plans and long distance that cost next to nothing these days, (or is at least cheaper than a stamp!) why didn't she speak to me in person? That was rude IMO, and I threw it away. I would have bought a magazine if she had talked with me. Lost a sale.
How about banning kid fundraisers except for Girl Scout Cookies? Its the parents that do the fundraising anymore and the kids don't learn a anything. OR have the school, organization have one BIG fundraiser every year instead of all these piddly ones that annoy the heck out of relatives.
OK, my main point--Annoying Evil SIL be nicer to everyone and less self absorbed with her life. Tired of hearing how horrible her life is with three kids--THAT SHE WANTED and how she never has time for her self. YOU wanted the kids YOU got the kids deal with it. For the record, I went through an infertility work up for my one child, and had two miscarriages. AND she has no control over her kids either (who was talking about the parenting license) Maybe thats why you have so many problems.
Thanks for letting me vent!
PS The Danielle Steele novel about infertility, its pure fiction, my work up was NOTHING like her book. Thats when I stopped reading her.
Good Question!
I would love people to stop worrying about fashion and of buying the new It stuff... but take time to be more humanist...
Stop...
I would like people to be less reckless with their driving habits... stop speeding and most of all... Stop drinking and driving!! That is so stupid, and they are endangering their life as well as the life of others!