18 Comments
User's avatar
James Strillacci's avatar

“Talk less. Smile more. Don’t let them know what you’re against or what you’re for.”

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

That’s great advice.

Expand full comment
James Strillacci's avatar

Lin-Manuel Miranda is a wise man.

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

THOUGHT it sounded familiar...

Expand full comment
Thomas Dombroski's avatar

The truth isn’t what it’s cracked up to be

Many people prefer don’t ask don’t tell

Expand full comment
Mary Ann Dimand's avatar

I feel you from slightly afar, but I don't myself enjoy snark much-- and when I hear myself being sarcastic I know I'm losing my temper and need to take some time to collect myself.

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

I applaud your self-awareness. I am snarky sometimes without even meaning to be so.

Expand full comment
Paul Ashton's avatar

“Forty years go by with someone laying in your bed

Forty years of things you wish you'd never said

How hard would it have been to say some kinder words instead”.

Patty Griffith “Long Ride Home”.

Obviously this refers to an intimate relationship but, the bed part aside, it could apply to any relationship. I think sometimes snark or sarcasm aimed at someone who is being hypocritical or dishonest seems appropriate. The phrase “Well bless your heart” comes to mind. Other times it’s roots are in mean spiritedness and I always filter that out. Wait, that’s not true. Oh well, 10:22am (est). I tried.

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

My fear is that Judgment Day will include a video that includes everything I've ever said, ever, and I'm going to have to watch it with my family and friends.

Expand full comment
Mary Ann Dimand's avatar

Nightmarish.

Expand full comment
Mary Ann Dimand's avatar

It has been a frequent Lenten practice for me to avoid lashon hara (evil tongue, which includes [negative] gossip). Which has led me to interesting consideration of what I think constitutes evil in speech. Is it always evil to speak negatively of someone? I don't think so-- but I think that speaking negatively of people without a constructive purpose is. Either I am profoundly dishonest-- as of course people often are-- or I'm just not very evil-tongued.

Maybe that's why I hear so little hot goss. :D

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

If I had to give up snark for Lent, I’d give up Lent instead.

Expand full comment
Carol M Robinson's avatar

I would get on your train for this. I’m not snarky very often. But when I am I go super snarky maybe to make up for lost opportunities.

Expand full comment
Lori Pelletier's avatar

I accept the challenge! Will update you shortly :) as I suspect to fall off the assignment

Expand full comment
Susan Campbell's avatar

I made it until just now, 8:42 am, when I texted someone I was in a meeting to avoid calling that person back. We organized our event over texts but yeah. I lied. It was almost reflexive.

Expand full comment
Mary Ann Dimand's avatar

Oh, absolutely, absolutely the same. Like I said, it's an alarm bell for me.

I do distinguish between frustration and sneering, so maybe I'm just a casuist. :D

Expand full comment
Patricia's avatar

Yes I could and I do almost everyday unless it will hurt someone.

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Sep 20, 2022
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Charlene L. Edge's avatar

Ditto.

Expand full comment