A seer gives advice on how to cope with the unkind

‘All I’m askin’ is for a little respect…’ 

The immortal words of Aretha Franklin have never rang truer as we go into the last few months of 2019.

Apparently, we are more civilised than ever before in the 21st century. Many will disagree. Indeed, the words of Robert Buettner seem to ring truer: ‘The only animal capable of giving man a fair fight is man. Actually, among ourselves, we fight unfairest of all, and the more we practice, the nastier we get.’

While mankind has reached its zenith in all things technological, what use is it if we can send the Voyager into deepest space, when we cannot even treat the person in our midst in a decent way? What is it with (some) people, who take pleasure in treating people in a way they would not like to be treated? It is a rhetorical question, of course, but one that should be ventilated.

Ironically, those who practice these dastardly deeds are probably the same ones who send out those nauseating WhatsApp greetings. You know the ones – forwarded from somewhere else every morning praying that you have a lovely day, urging you to do good and spread good et al. Hmm. Later on, they themselves throw those around them to the wolves. Why people do this is probably the remit of a psychologist or a serial killer.

Our local psychologist, who frequents the pub around the corner religiously at 4.30pm on Fridays, had quite strong views on this issue: “Low self-esteem has a lot to do with it. Too boost that, they treat others like k#k. It kinda makes them feel good. Jeffrey Dahmer ate people to make himself feel good. This lot are probably one step behind – but watch out, their diet can change in a flash,” said the old shrink, pouring himself another Black Label with a dexterity borne from pure practice.

But what can we do about this sort of behaviour, Doc?

A large sip from his full glass, a dab of the lips with a none-too-clean handkerchief and he leans back on his somewhat wobbly bar stool and says: “A tight klap around the ear hole has never failed me. If that’s not your style, simply meet their fire with cool water. Remember, moral authority comes from following universal and timeless principles like honesty, integrity, treating people with respect. It takes courage to create a meaningful life of integrity. It also requires good company. And practice.”

And with that, he poured another beer.

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