Years ago I use to read Ann Landers daily.
I'll always recall one tidbit of advice that she offered up that I still pay heed to today.
A reader, if I recall correctly, was asking Ann about the wisdom of writing a note to a friend to get something off their chest since a confrontation in person was too stressful to deal with emotionally.
I'll always remember her response.
First, the popular columnist noted that when people were upset they often said or did things they might be ashamed of later when their heels had cooled a little.
Ann cautioned that if they were inclined to write a note in a moment of anger - then dash out to the mail box for the next pick up by the U.S. Post Office - that it may be a better idea to put the envelope in a drawer overnight.
"The next morning read the letter before you're about to post it. If you feel the same way as you did in the heat of the moment, then mail it. Chances are, you won't."
She went on to point out that this kind of prudent action might just save a friendship or prevent a love interest from walking.
I adhere to that rule of thumb, today.
However, in the age of home PC's and high-speed e-mail delivery, the rules may have been rewritten a smidgen to adapt to technology in the new millennium.
For example, if you're getting ready to zip off a nasty e-mail to a friend that has annoyed you, save it as a draft, first.
The next morning if the missive stills seems an appropriate way to deal with the misunderstanding, then hit "send" by all means.
Wait for the reply.
But, if the stress is too great to deal with, just input their name and e-mail address in the preferences mode under "block".
It's kind of like hiding your head in the sand - or delaying the inevitable - but at least you'll manage to avoid a confrontation.
And, just maybe the truth, eh?
Samuel Taylor Coleridge:
"Advice is like snow; the softer it falls the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind."
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