Friday 15 November 2019

Not a curmudgeon

Ten years ago I remarked that although elderly males are commonly depicted as grumpy old men, I had yet to become one and remained the cheerful, easy-going, philosophical person I had always been.

I'm pleased to report that remains the case and I haven't yet degenerated into the sort of surly, abusive curmudgeon people hastily cross the road to avoid.

I don't habitually rage and curse at stupid motorists, hate teenagers and sales assistants, fume at red tape and form-filling, attack dumbing down and falling standards, or despise anything invented in the last 20 years.

I don't accept the mantra that "everything's getting worse", "the country's going to the dogs", "everyone's so selfish nowadays", and all those other pessimistic pronouncements.

On the contrary, there's so much about life today that's inspiring and uplifting and stimulating. The endless possibilities of the internet for getting information, keeping in touch with people, sharing jokes, and looking for tradespeople. The cultural riches of art, music, books and films. All the new ideas and tastes brought by migrants from all over the world. The increasing political awareness of the young, worried about climate breakdown, authoritarian governments and their personal future.

When I'm lucky enough to have all that, why get worked up about a few sullen teenagers, offhand shop assistants or careless motorists? They're wee buns in the grand scheme of things, minor irritations to be noted and forgotten.

My father was one of the "everything's getting worse" brigade, convinced we were all going to hell in a handcart and thankful he wouldn't be alive much longer. I'm glad to say I couldn't agree less with the old misery guts.

Just think, without the internet I would never have met Simon's Cat.

27 comments:

  1. My father was a super positive person, right up until the end. I feel as though it's been the women in my life who've been the negative Nellies.

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    1. Bijoux: I envy you your super-positive dad!

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  2. I agree 100 percent. Always thought old people who moan about life are a bit silly!

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    1. Jenny: I feel sorry for the partners who have to put up with it day after day.

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  3. I watch the process of aging around me and I have to concur as to who is happier and who's not. My father always maintained there has to be something to look forward to in life and I agree wholeheartedly. Without that, we might as well fold up our bones.

    XO
    WWW

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    1. www: Indeed, it's essential to have something to look forward to, even if it's something as simple as a flower coming out or your favourite chocolate bar.

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  4. The giver of the law15 November 2019 at 14:13

    Nick, did you delete my com-girl-t because it represented the ultimate truth about what really goes on in everyone's mind 24 hours a day ! ? ! ?.

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    1. I've deleted all your unwanted comments because I'm not interested in sex addicts.

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    2. Yay. Trolls ruin the blogosphere.

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  5. Occasionally I will have a fun rant about something but I'm not grumpy or a moaner, I like to laugh a lot and just get on with things.

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    1. Polly: Laugh a lot and get on with things - that's my attitude as well.

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  6. If I let the situations which annoy me take over I would have a really miserable life...so I don't.

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    1. Fly: Exactly. Why get yourself in a state over temporary annoyances? Life is too short....

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  7. I absolutely LOVE Simon's Cat!!!
    and we all love you Nick! so life is good in my book.
    and far too short to get your shorts in a wad over little irritants! LOL!
    of course our current president tests this theory daily! we just have to rise above him! xo

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    1. Tammy: Simon's Cat is wonderful! "Getting your shorts in a wad" - that's a new one on me. Must be an Americanism! Indeed, your president tests everyone's patience to the limit on a daily basis....

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  8. I have met a curmudgeon, and knew him well. He was my brother, for 68 years. I'm glad I knew one of his like; I'm grateful not to be one.

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    1. Joanne: Sorry to hear your brother was such a curmudgeon. He must have sharpened your tactics for dealing with grumps like him!

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  9. I am told on excellent authority that I am not a curmudgeon. I am however also told by the same authority that I am a lovable old reprobate. Has anyone called you that yet?

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    1. Ramana: Nobody has called me that as yet. I don't think I qualify to be a reprobate, I'm not nearly mischievous enough.

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  10. Colette: Thank you! What does anyone gain by being perpetually offended and irritated?

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  11. I'm a bit of both in my on-line community; I am often the one pouring oil on troubled waters but sometimes I am the one taking offense in a not particularly polite way. It's not safe to push some of my buttons--usually the one where it seems someone is being too judgmental which is a joke since I am judging them for being too judgmental.

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    1. Linda: I hadn't thought of that - judging people for being too judgmental. But what about judging people for not being open-minded and leaping to assumptions? Is that judging them or just asking them to be a bit more objective?

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  12. I tied leaving a comment but it didn't appear. Try again...

    I figure life is too short not to enjoy it the best we can.

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    1. Jean: Blogger likes to eat the comments occasionally. No idea why. And yes, why waste time complaining about everything when we could be focusing on what we enjoy.

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  13. I know the research on grumpiness does show that people, on average, become more grumpy with age and that that is even more true for men than for women. But the key words are "on average," and we all have it within us not to take that path. While I enjoy indulging in snark, I am mostly non-curmudgeonly. Life is just too short to be irritable all the time.

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    1. Agent: Indeed, for every sharp-tongued curmudgeon out there, there's someone polite and open-minded who's a delight to talk to.

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