There should be rules!

Recently, I’ve come to the conclusion that while rules are made to be broken, there are some that are vital and important and should be abided at all times. Now, I share some of my suggestions with you:

Rule #1: Around Christmas, you are NOT allowed to buy things for yourself. OK, we’re not talking about groceries or whatever you need to live your daily life here. I’m talking about that sweater you’ve been admiring, the DVDs you’ve been drooling over, or whatever it is that has captured your fancy. In short, I’m talking about the things that the people in your life could buy you as Christmas gifts. Recently, I had dinner with some friends and during the meal, one of them mentioned something she really, really wanted. I try to take notice when people express these things and made a mental note of it. Later in the week, when I was doing my Christmas shopping (online of course), I ordered said item. I received notification of its shipment yesterday morning. In the afternoon, said friend emailed to tell me and another friend that she had ordered said item and was SO excited. So I had to basically ruin the surprise and beg her to cancel her order. SO, stop buying stuff for yourself, people! Especially if you’ve dropped hints about wanting said item. Someone is probably listening—and it ain’t Santa!

Rule #2: Talking about complicated dating relationships should be kept to generalities when being discussed in large groups. First off, let me say that the idea behind manners and common courtesies is that by having this proscribed pattern of behavior, everyone is on a level playing field, knows what is expected of them, and because of this, won’t feel uncomfortable in social situations. That’s the IDEA behind manners and courtesies, but it’s often not the way they get played out today. Anyway, recently I was in a large group of people when we asked another person in the group about his complicated relationship with his girlfriend. OK, that’s fine, because he’d shared about it previously and we all genuinely care about him. He talked a little about the state of affairs; we listened and expressed concern and care. All is good, right. Then, someone in our group said something about his relationship status on Facebook. He joked, saying “Yes, we’re together on Facebook.” The person responded, “Well, your page says that, but hers says nothing.” Awkward. Crickets. Talk about a downer. He probably worries about that fact a lot. I mean, I would. And I’m not sure a conversation with a large group of people was the place to bring it up. I think it’s fine to talk about that in private if you’re really good friends and stuff. I would want to talk it over with my closest friends! But in a large group conversation where some of the people don’t know the situation or the people involved very well, it’s just kind of iffy.

Rule #3: Christmas sweaters, no matter how much you LOVE the season, are a fashion don’t. You can defend it all you want, but just leave your Christmas sweaters at home. Please. Large sequined poinsettas, twinkling Christmas trees, and dancing snowmen parading across your midriff don’t say Christmas to me or most of the population. Granted, I have a few Christmasy shirts, but they’re rather low-key and honestly, I don’t really wear them. My fashion advice is simple: if your top looks like your Christmas tree threw up on you, don’t wear it. If all you need is some tinsel and a light-up star for a hat to look just like your Christmas tree, STOP!

I’m sure I could come up with much more, but this blog has gone on long enough. Let me know your additions in the comments!