How to Lose Friends & Alienate People

Doesn't sound like a best-seller does it?

But the sentiment has crossed my mind over the past few days in the wake of recent elections and being reminded of a personal story.

The story starts on my daughters wedding day. At one point in the evening a guest cornered me and began to question me on the fundraising efforts of a local charity that I was a board member of. Basically, she was complaining that we were raising so much money that other charities were not able to raise what they needed.

First, I disagree that there is some mysterious, limited pie of funds out there that all non-profits had to get a piece of. But more importantly I was annoyed that this person wanted to have this conversation on my daughter's special day.

I was interested in engaging with guests and enjoying all the good music and dancing that was going on and this conversation should have been for another day.

Now this person didn't interrupt the processional or my speech, but in my opinion took advantage of being a guest at our family celebration to air her frustrations that seemed to have been brewing for some time.

As I write this, I'm watching some of the local election results in between NFL, MLB and NHL as well. Who says multitasking is a myth! (Actually I say that)

When it comes to politics I've been criticized for calling it a cesspool. Now I do believe there are some ethical and competent individuals in politics, but, when you jump into a mud puddle you're going to get dirty. From where I sit, governments do more harm than good.

Which takes me to the recent decision of the BC premiere to call a snap election in the hopes of securing a new 4-year term. In the end his party lost and he resigned. This was an election that didn't need to happen, and the former premiere was called out for being "opportunistic" but in the end failed in his efforts.

Being opportunistic lead to huge losses. A loss of a job, a party in power, loss of reputation and loss of relationships.

My point is this. Don't be like the guest at my daughter's wedding or the BC premiere.

Don't be opportunistic.

• Don't take advantage of someone else's generosity to pursue your own agenda.
• Don't seek your own concerns at the expense of others.
• Don't exploit others for your own gain or self-interests.

There's a better way!

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

“Love your neighbour as yourself.” Leviticus 19:18

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

Let's be these kind of people. Let's be considerate, loving, compassionate and forgiving. We all could use more of that. That's an agenda I can vote for.

Okay, I think I'm going to watch some more football.

Until next time - Dan