#rantoftheweek

Better Behave №41: People sharing things I told them in private. Just because I trust (or rather trusted) you with something, doesn't mean that I trust the rest of the world with it also. You may think that the information is not a big deal, it could well be. Respect my privacy much like I do yours, and don't assume I would simply tell everyone everything because I highly doubt you would do so yourself either. Please just keep things from our private chats to yourself, and perhaps just be satisfied to know more about me than others.

Better Behave №50: People blindly following others. You won't grow as a person if you can only repeat after others. No one deserves your absolute, unchallenged and unrestricted trust and support. Given that no person is without flaws, please think a little before you defend or amplify those flaws also.

Better Behave №52: Brands seemingly caring about social issues. You need to actually believe in and stand by the message, and not only whenever and wherever you will get something out of it. If your message brings more attention to yourself than to the issue at hand, you should probably go about it differently, perhaps even quietly. Otherwise it's impossible to believe that your intentions are pure.

Better Behave №46: Short-sighted individuals. Please think about the possible consequences of your actions. You might not see any impact you make, but whatever you do could well make a difference, whether for yourself, the ones you love, or even for people you don't know at all. Better be safe than sorry. Know that the world will love you for acting responsibly, even if no one tells you.

Better Behave №54: People reporting and spreading rumors and allegations. It's not news and should not be turned into such. It's the laziest and most damaging form of entertainment instead. Truly anyone could make up anything about anyone and get attention just from the subject's reputation. Think about if someone would make similar claims about you, with everyone now thinking you're guilty until proven innocent, you having to defend yourself for something you have had no say in whatsoever, and you being forever guilty in the eyes of many if not most people because they don't know about any retraction.

Every other week, I write about annoying behavior in the hopes that it will lead to a more compassionate community, no matter how small the impact.

Better Behave №53: People blowing things way out of proportion. If something has inflicted serious damage, it's fine to be outraged about that, but no other situation is or should be made as serious. There will be more nuance to it, so don’t just leave that out and don't act like it's the end of the world regardless. Just because you personally dislike something or someone doesn't mean it's worth the outrage. Reserve that for the truly outrageous things in this world.

Better Behave №42: People putting unsolicited burdens on another. I am really sorry if you go through a difficult time, and I am very glad and honored to be able to help distract you from it, but please realize that I can't literally carry you through it also. I am not a best friend or therapist.