Human Relations Rule #4
Human Relations Rule #4: Be friendly and helpful. If you would have friends, be friendly.
To have friends, you must be a friend. You may have hundreds of "friends" on Facebook, but let's face it - they are not really all your friends. If you have a handful of friends you know you can count on in times of trouble, those people are truly your friends. For some, it is difficult to put themselves out there. Especially those with medical conditions such as autism.
As the Golden Rule says, treat others as you would have them treat you. Simple, right? Not always. Sometimes, when you put yourself out there to be friendly and helpful, it can smack you right in the face. But don't let those people stop you from being friendly and helpful to others. There will always be the grumpy butts out there that will never change no matter how kindly they are treated. I've heard it said, what we put out there will come back to us. Generally, in my experience, this is true.
Another rule I grew up with helps put this into perspective: If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. These days, it's very hard to bite your tongue when others speak whatever is on their mind; particularly when those thoughts are harsh, unkind or sarcastic. Once those words are out, you can't reel them back in, and the damage will be done. It is better not to say anything at all - no matter how it is to do so.
However other people are behaving, it is better to take the high road. Keep on being friendly, helpful and kind, even to those who would not do the same for you. If you do, at least you will feel good about yourself because you know you did your best. Most of all, Never. Give. Up!
