I slathered on some new Olay Hydrating creme this morning, and there he was. My Bailey. As I stood in front of my bathroom mirror in my bare feet, he brushed up next to me. With those big brown eyes looking up at me like I had a doggie treat in my hand, he panted happily. His rosy pink tongue flopped over his very large white teeth. "Let me smell that." That's what he was saying to me. It's so amusing that Bailey has to nose everything. He wants to see it, smell it and sometimes lick it. [smile]
That got me thinking. What about people who stick their nose into other people's business. Do I poke into matters that are none of my business? Now, I admit that I on occasion, I want to ask my family and friends about affairs that I am not part of, especially if I sense trouble.
So my question to myself, today, blog, is this. Am I a snoop? Do I mind my own business? If not, do I have a right to snoop? Or is snooping just plain wrong?
My discovery journey celebrates the one week anniversary today. It's a fine question to climax this first week. If I ask Bailey, he will say something like, "Yea, man, snooping is wooferoonie. Arfydom. Lickalicious!" [pardon my translation] Well, Bailey does put his nose in some obvious places, and a few surprising spots, too. He's a dog, and that's what dogs do. They sniff, snort and sneeze at what makes a dog curious.
As for me, after giving this its due thought [okay five minutes of thought] I have to say, that I am not a snooper. I have my hands full with the questions and challenges on my own plate. No time and no inclination to hear about or try to solve on other people's burden. That makes no sense to me. Now, I know that from time to time, certain moments present that I may inquire about… But, is a simple inquiry… snooping?
No, silly. That's just being courteous. Nice. Listening. Kind.
In going a step further, I have to ask myself this. If I go too far in minding my own business, does that mean I am an uncaring person?
Poppycock. Of course, not. It does not mean that I don't care. Minding my own business, to me, means "not asking about something that doesn't concern me," not being nosey.
Learning about someone's problems also means keeping my mouth shut. [YES] If I am asked to jump in with all my wisdom, I must take full responsibility for the consequences. I must also avoid repeating pieces of information that someone may not want spread around. That's gossip.
Okay, then. It's final. I am definitely not a snoop. I do mind my own business.
After further thought [5 more minutes] I can probably go so far as to say that I not only stay out of other people's business, I might be a bit of a recluse. For example, I get more than a few "suggestions" from family members that I need to do a better job at returning phone calls. It's true. I chalk that up to my busy life. I have a demanding business and people need me. I am not very good with chatty conversation. [GAD!] Does that make me uncaring? I hope not.
I love people and I extend a helping hand to those in need, especially when it involves knowledge or abilities or resources that I can offer.
It is a conundrum. Where's the line between a snoop and aloof?
I am definitely not a snoop, and I can check that off my list. I certainly do not want to appear aloof to my family and friends. I may need to investigate further and report back, blog.
I'll ask Bailey for counsel on this. After all, he is the sultan of snoop.
By the way, my face feels soooo smooth. Olay!