Strangers should think twice before criticizing!

I believe my wife has the right and privilege of criticizing me.

I believe my children have, within certain limits, the liberty of making pointed suggestions to me.

If my parents were living, they, without doubt, would have the authority to scrutinize my actions and behavior.

My sister Sandra is getting close to the line of people from whom I would accept pointed suggestions.

If a gentleman's trousers are unzipped or a lady's dress has opened, we try to be subtle in informing the stranger of his or her unnoticed transgression. I applaud gentility and circumspectness in these areas.

I have noticed of late that marginal friends and acquaintances of short duration have felt as though they could easily take the prerogative to evaluate and judge the way others conduct their lives.

These offhanded remarks hurt and can do damage to even a casual relationship. Although it is the end of July, I am making a New Year's Resolution. I will vow to tell over-critical strangers that they have stepped into an area in which they do not belong. They will be warned that they should proceed with caution, as if they touched an open wound or entered a live mine field.

Hopefully, I will be very smooth and tactful in this area, but I cannot guarantee that I will also be gentle.

Some of the areas which are sensitive and should be off limits are the following:

a) Negative remarks about one's spouse and/or children.

b) Evaluation of how one spends money.

c) Direction in how much charity to give and to what charities you should honor.

d) A crease in clothing or an unnoticed stain should not be a reason for taunting.

e) Criticism, without basis, of my weekly column! (A Cardinal Transgression.)

Old friends are allowed a little more latitude. Strangers who feel the need to condemn are sometimes ill-mannered and should be informed of the error of their ways.

I sincerely hope that I have not turned into a curmudgeon!

In the third millennium I am sure everyone will be courteous and behave admirably!