IIt is probably a character flaw, but I rarely change my mind once I have made it up about something or somebody.  I don’t even remember the moment when I formed many of my opinions, they were just suddenly there.  Even worse, as time goes it is a rare occasion that on I even consider a change of opinion.  In fact, something happens every day to assure me that I was right in the first place.

Psychologists say that one should review their feelings now and then, and that change is not only to be expected, but is, as dear Martha says, “a good thing”. As for me, it is a waste of time.  I reviewed a column I wrote in 1990 about opinions and in the ensuing 20 years they remain unchanged.

1.The older one gets the less important many things become that were once thought to be crucial. It is difficult to understand why I was ever overwrought about anything or anybody.  Most of the people I battled with are dead and the situations have faded and all the angst and turmoil were for nothing. (I hope I can remember that the next time I get aggravated.)

2.Loyalty is the most important gift one give or receive.  Nothing else even comes close.  All of you who are thinking, “But, what about love?” should remember that love without loyalty isn’t.

3. Our form of government may not be perfect, but it’s the best on earth.
I am outraged by Americans who criticize America.  Why don’t they move to another country?  Maybe then you’ll realize just how wonderful America really is.

4. Most television programs are complete nonsense.
They have not improved one iota since 1990 and in fact have sunk to new lows with the reality shows that are completely disgusting, survival shows with people experiencing fearful and horrendous things.  Win a bachelor with poor, silly girls competing to marry a bozo they don’t even know.  Win a bachelorette, same thing only worse.

5. Relatives as far removed as tenth cousins should be cherished whether you like them or not.Still true.  There are many cousins I actively dislike – but I cherish them                   because we are becoming so few.  And, my mother, who was always right, said that blood relatives must be made welcome and /invited to all family events and prayed for.

6.People who constantly assure you of their  ethics, honesty, and love for their spouse need to be watched. You know exactly what I mean.  If they are really all that ethical and honest and love their spouse it is readily apparent and not necessary to beat drums to make certain everyone knows it.  Nothing is so enjoyable as witnessing such a person being found out.

7. Don’t believe anything until it is officially denied. This truth has been proven over and over again.  Remember when President Clinton said he did not have an affair with what’s-her-name?  Or when Prince Charles said he and what’s-her-name were only friends?  If someone with authority denies it ever happened, or was ever said – it did and it was.

8. People should not quote the Bible to prove a point if they are not Biblical scholars.
I once heard a man quote the phrase “Let it be” as a Biblical reference on a national television talk show.  Everyone knows it is from the lyrics of a song written by the Beatles.

9. People regard losing weight as a greater accomplishment than finding a cure for cancer.
Unfortunately true.

10.Enemies are valuable because they assure you of your superiority. Definitely true.

11. When someone says they are telling you something for your own good – they’re not.
You know this is true.

12. Do not regret growing old.  It is a privilege denied many. Profoundly true.

13. Life is a mill – whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends on what you are made of. This truth was a favorite saying of my grandfather who faced many trials including losing a fortune in a bank failure during the Great Depression and beginning a new business the same day.

14. Never do anyone a favor because they will never forgive you. It has happened to all of us.  I think it’s because some people hate to be grateful because it reminds them of what they should be grateful for.

15.Know when to shut up. Greatest truth of all.  So I will.