Hactions Speak Louder than Whords

Actions don’t really speak. Let’s just clear that up right now. Those little voices that you may claim to be hearing when you are all alone…those aren’t real. However, everything we do, or don’t do, or do do, communicates something about us (So if you are confused about the last “do do”, I just wanted to write doodoo in a sentence so you would either say it in your head or out loud…preferably out loud). I heard some statistic one time…I don’t remember the percentages but most of our communication is non-verbal. If you think about it, half-infinity people see you every day and never have a conversation with you. However, each of these people conjures up some kind of judgment about you. Part of their judgment most likely comes from the different behaviors we exhibit.

But we don’t really want to dwell on the people that don’t know us. Even the people that know us well communicate with us through non-verbal means. As Ursula reminds us in The Little Mermaid, “And don’t underestimate the importance of body language! Ha!”

Our actions can communicate our feelings very strongly and should correspond with our words. If you punch someone in the face that you hate…well…you might have anger issues…but at least you are getting the correct message across to them. If you smooch them, they might be a little confused when you later tell them that you utterly loathe them. Actions can be the facial expressions we use, the smooches we give, or even the things we don’t do. In a relationship, if Doug fails to tell Lisa that he likes her, Lisa may only be hearing, “He/She hates me.” A little dramatic? Yes. But it happens. I am sure you can think right now of 435 examples of a situation similar to this one.

So back to my main point of writing this whole bloggy post… Make sure our actions and our words coincide so that the message is clear. If relationships are started with honesty, I feel like it is easier to continue on the honest path to awesomeness…and when I say “awesomeness,” I mean success.

Honestly, this post took me forever. I started over a couple times, then when I was almost finished I accidently deleted it... So I had to tell my computer my true feelings. Have no fear...it was for the better. And now I have to go apologize to my computer.

Your Amigo,

Chris

Ponesty

Not to be outdone by our adoring public, this shark boy recently followed the advice of his aquatic friendly. I encourage you to do the same. Team honest sure has some perks!

I am almost certain that you were surprised to discover that Alex has friends that have been dead for over 221 years. I believe you should refer to "Obsession pt. 2" and his "Dino-buddies." That might clear up the confusion, or perhaps leave you pleasantly confused.

Time to call out the sea dogs..

Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, speaking, living, and loving. The average fish would agree that being honest would include not stealing. However, even a fellow shark can be ensnared in an even more pernicious form of thievery.

The sweet swan of Avon once quilled the following:


Who steals my purse steals trash; ’tis something, nothing;
’Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands;
But he that filches from me my good name
Robs me of that which not enriches him
And makes me poor indeed.

Othello, act 3, scene 3, lines 157–61

When is the last time you participated in a conversation that tore at the good name of someone else? Are we otherwise docile beasts who transform at the slightest taste of someone else's blood in the water? (That might have been a bit gruesome, but I believe it conveys the sentiment accurately.) (Also, please do not falsely conclude this is a vampire reference. We put those beautiful bloodsuckers behind us DAYS ago!)

Isn't it odd how material theft is the primary concern of humanity? Or should we say materialism and leave it at that?

There are far too many people who need character building to waste time tearing others down.

And so the invitation for us stands: Next time you see these elusive thieves going about their business, call it out. Send them home empty handed. As with so many other things in life, learning how to be honest about material things is only the first tiiiiny baby step towards genuine, disciple-esque honesty.

Your friendly shark boy,

Dan

Honesty

News Flash: We're all a bunch of liars!
A good friend of mine once said: "Half the truth is often a great lie." That friend: Benjamin Franklin. The whole truth, and nothing but the truth, or it ain't really that true. ask any judge.
I was recently in a situation which is far too common a situation, I think. Talking of matters of the heart with a lady, I realized that I was strategizing what I was going to say based on the type of reaction I thought it would evoke. Withholding some feelings, exaggerating others. Plotting and planning my next moves as if by a secret playbook. Like I was in a competition... on the offensive... the ball in my court, I needed to hit it hard and good, perhaps with a little bit of spin. That way I can win! right? I kind of felt like a spy, too; keeping the intel safe from the enemy... this enemy I secretly wanted to smooch on.
Does anyone else see the problem here? Am I too presumptuous in thinking that I'm not the only one who does this? Do we not often refer to courtship (the most morally applicable social dynamic, in my opinion) as "The Game"? Competition and honesty seem mutually exclusive to me. Of course, I'm sure if I prove whatever point I'm trying to make in any of these situations, she'll fall for me. 'Cause when someone proves me wrong, all I want to do is smooch 'em!

This Just In: We should be more honest with each other.
Like another one of my good friends once said: "Honesty is the best Ponesty." He wasn't much for slant-rhymes, I guess.
I'm tired of playing on the opposing team of the very people I'd also like to smooch. And no, I'm not considering that type of team-swap. Same team, but I still plan on playing a different position. Get your mind out of the gutter and consider this: Isn't it much more likely to get a bum-slap from a teammate than an opponent? I'm talking about the team of honesty! It's time we start saying what we feel even when it's uncomfortable. Babes love dudes with feelings... or so they tell me. Of course, this goes for the girls too. Dudes appreciate honest feedback and reciprocation.
A caution for all of us: There are always exceptions. Some things should be kept to ourselves. This ain't no invitation to say everything you think without any filtration just because the Shark Boys told you you could. Saying everything you feel might be uncalled for and a little creepy. But that doesn't mean that creepy is always bad, for, creepy turns into cute when it's successful. Just remember the Golden Rule: Creep onto others only as much as you would be creeped upon. And here's a little rule that will keep your honesty honest: Be honest for the other person's sake, not yours.

This post's challenge: The next time you think something nice and no more than mildly creepy about someone, but hesitate for comfort's sake, say it... to that person. Report back once you've completed your task.

Your buddy... watching you through your window... right now...,
Alex