Favorite excerpts
Some of these seem very familiar. Most of them are pretty practical. Like, “know when to ignore the camera.” *ahem*
From 1001 Rules for my unborn son
395. Be mindful of what comes between you and the earth. Buy good tires, good sheets, and good shoes.
389. After writing an angry email, read it carefully. Then delete it.
380. When I tell you to stay in the car, stay in the car.
375. Don’t pose with booze.
366. Never push someone off a dock. (right, Terry?)
331. Be subtle. She sees you.
330. Give credit. Take the blame.
329. Don’t underestimate your fertility.
326. Your best chance of being a rockstar is learning the bass.
322. Sympathy is a crutch. Never fake a limp.
321. When it comes to opening presents, no one likes a good guesser.
318. Don’t gloat. A good friend will do it for you.
303. Offer your date the seat with the best view of the restaurant. (I need to work on that one)
291. Don’t stare. People-watch. (Hi grandma!)
287. Make your own costume.
280. Never respond to a critic in writing.
279. Take her picture.
276. Surround yourself with smart people.
269. If you’ve made your point, stop talking.
261. Admit when you are wrong. Be convincing.
257. If you offer to help, don’t quit until the job is done.
250. Be precise.
245. Look people in the eye when you thank them, especially waiters.
231. Keep your passport current.
219. If you make a mistake, forgive yourself and move on.
218. Help a buddy move.
206. Never turn down a girl’s invitation to dance.
195. Don’t boo.
194. Have a signature dish, even if it’s your only one.
188. If you get yourself arrested, call me. You get one free pass.
183. Be quick with a ‘good morning.’
182. Freedom is your right, but citizenship is earned.
175. Never leave a job without securing your next employment.
169. Be nice to your sister. You are her confidante, cheerleader, and bodyguard.
158. The best thing to do in the rain is be quiet and listen.
157. Go all out on Halloween.
147. Don’t lose your cool. Especially at work.
144. Offer your name when greeting someone. Even good friends have lousy memories.
137. Be beholden to no one. Pay in cash.
135. Avoid affectations, lest they become habits.
124. On occasion, pick up the tab.
99. Nothing good ever happens after 3 am. I promise.
89. When speaking with a journalist, choose your words carefully.
84. Support friends in the arts. Especially if they stink.
79. Spend as much time as you can on the water. In a pinch, even a creek will do.
78. Keep your word.
75. Respect fire.
53. Offer your seat to a woman, no matter how old she is.
42. Be a well-informed voter.
32. When in the woods, be quiet.
22. Girls like boys who shower.
19. Don’t welch on bets. Better yet, don’t gamble.
18. Spend time with your cousins. You’re more alike than you think.
16. You are what you do, not what you say.
15. Don’t flatten burgers on the grill. It squeezes out all the juices.
3. When shaking hands, grip firmly and look him in the eye.
Some good bits of advice there, ranging from interesting through to essential. Nice.
Some of it is boring when you take it in the “do this sometime” context, but really important when you see it as “this is what you do, how you behave.”
Yup. I was definitely getting a “be the kind of man who does this” rather than a “your life isn’t complete until you’ve checked off…” vibe.
I’m also reminded that I should try to do some swimming this summer :-)
Wow… I might have to buy the book. And a highlighter.
Lots of those I really like.
Plenty of this is great advice, but a lot of it is just wanting a son who is just like him. Is he not a good son unless he spends time on the water?
I think you’re reading your own issues into it. Just like the bible, you can take it at precisely face value and find much in the way of flaws, or you can take a step back.
Many people find being on the water peaceful, contemplative, and relaxing. I am definitely one of those people (though I highly prefer lakes to other water bodies).
Very thoughtful and good advice. :)
I’ve learned too many of those the hard way. Nice list.