Charm: To Ail...or not to Ail

Dear Reader,

To-day we will discuss the sharing of information regarding one's ailments with others. Here is the simple rule: don't. Unless the "other" is your doctor or your spouse (and sharing here shall be limited to what is absolutely necessary), keep your problems to yourself. Trust me dear, no one else desires to hear of your rheumatism, headaches, or back problems. She will act interested (if she has been following my program, she will know that politeness is required here), but will be thinking that you are dull and a bore. If you simply cannot contain your problems, buy for yourself a nice journal and keep track of your maladies in this manner. Perhaps someone will read it someday and feel sorry for you.

Additionally, when asked the polite question, "How are you?", the correct response is "fine" or some other pithy and positive comment. No one is truly asking about your well being, unless you are in your psychiatrist's or pastor's office. If you ever want to be asked again, do forego the litany of life's trials here and just simply answer as exampled above. Otherwise, if you are addressed at all, it will be something more along the lines of "hello, nice to see you". If you are ever addressed this way, it is time to evaluate your life and become more cheerful about your circumstances. Do spread sunshine, dear!

Until next time...

HF

Do you have a question for Mrs. Fillmore? Please send an email to hildegardefillmore@hotmail.com