Today's Song: "Always Have, Always Will", Avalon

The Ten Suggestions
when dealing with Ginny Lyn
(following by an explanation of each below)

1. I'm Christian. Deal or move on.
2. Be aware of sensitive subjects.
3. Be able to laugh freely and genuinely.
4. If you are going to do something new, at least try before giving up.
5. Don't be fake.
6. No smoking.
7. No swearing.
8. Don't be manipulative.
9. No suicide.
1o. Be able to love.

~Explanation~
1. I'm Christian. Deal or move on.
There's something about saying, "Yeah, I'm a (insert religion label here)" that makes people curl up and freak quietly. They say there are two subjects not to talk about--religion and politics. I'm not afraid of talking about my religion. Be aware I'm not out to whack people over the head with the Bible until they convert. I'll be (nervously) happy to answer any questions you have, but I will not tolerate Christian bashing, whether blatant or veiled. Period.
It's funny that I have this one first, but at the same time it makes sense. Shallow people usually can't make it past this point. I admit, I've been shallow myself, but I'm (I think) maturing, getting better at listening to others with differing viewpoints (I don't blow up over the littlest things much anymore; I still get reserved and need time to think some things over, but it's not the same as going full force blast and screaming bloody murder). Listening doesn't always equal agreeing, but listening does equal learning. 'S fair. (OK, now I'm just blabbering, heh. ^^)

2. Be aware of sensitive subjects.
I like to laugh and talk about lots of things as much as the next person. If you know something's going to bother me, though, stay away from it. Unless it applies to number 5.

3. Be able to laugh freely and genuinely.
Yeah, the world sucks. Deal. Know how I do that? I find something that I can giggle innocently about. Laughing is actually healthy for you, too (something about circulating more oxygen into your body). As stressed out as I make myself, I find this is very true. At least let your mind go a few minutes without being bitter or worried.
"I have my own brand of insanity that helps me live in the world."

4. If you are going to do something new, at least try before giving up.
Know that if you tell me you're going to try something new, I'll ask about it the next time I see you (unless it pertains to #2). I should really take my own advice on this one.
"It's not a crime to try, only a shame to never try at all."

5. Don't be fake.
Tact is okay. But being fake and pretending to be one way when you or something that's going on is actually the complete opposite is, in my personal little mind and world, wrong. Being fake is like lying, for me. And I have very low tolerance, if any at all, for people who lie to me.

6. No smoking.
Smoking in itself isn't evil. Unhealthy, but not evil. It's just that secondhand smoke makes me really ill.

7. No swearing.
C'mon, seriously, if the f-word is a part of your 5-minute vernacular, then what are you going to say when you really get upset?

8. Don't be manipulative.
Goes along with being fake. Don't do it. Manipulating people means you don't think they are capable of catching on; in essence, you are acting like they are stupid. Manipulative people are a bunch of whiney, selfish brats. I have no tolerance for them.

9. No suicide.
Absolute zero tolerance. I fiercely believe that suicide is never the answer. I've been through two nasty experiences in my life where two people I know and love attempted, but thankfully, never succeeded. (I'll try to keep this out of rant land, but I feel strongly about this)
The hell I went through both times is something nobody should ever suffer. If you're having problems, don't be fake. For the sake of whatever you hold in high regard, talk. Don't leave your loved ones suffering in helpless agony over wondering why you didn't talk, and why they couldn't have done anything to help you.
...it still hurts to this day that they attempted. I don't think I'll ever be able to get over that completely.

1o. Be able to love.
Mayhaps a strange one to end on, but I believe this. I know not everyone is going to like me. That's okay. And I'm not always going to like everyone. That's okay, as well. And it's my God-given ability to disagree with others. That too is okay. I've never disliked anyone strong enough to classify the feeling for them as hate.
And what is Man if he cannot love?

...whoa. That was deep. O_o;

Anyways, tada! The Ten Suggestions. When dealing with me. I wouldn't use them with everyone. More lighthearted fun tomorrow. ^_^