[the first time i read this, several years ago, i thought it was wonderful. now…i see that i’ve grown more cynical. i like it still, but am wondering about some of the lines here, especially the last one. but read it, there are some gems here!]
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIFE
(author unknown)
Give people more than they expect and do this willfully.
Learn, by heart, your favorite song. Song lifts the soul and brightens life.
Love deeply and passionately. Believe in love at first sight.
When you say, “I love you,” say it truthfully. An engagement period of 6 months is crucial before marriage.
Marry the one you love talking to the most. When you’re old, conversation will be important more than anything else.
When you say, “I’m sorry,” say it with eye contact.
You may get hurt, but this is the only way to live life to the fullest.
Never mock others’ dreams. Deal with discontentment, fight fairly but do not offend.
Do not judge others because of their relatives. Every (human being) is his or her own person.
Talk slow, think fast. When you lose, do not lose the lesson.
When someone asks you a question you don’t want to answer, smile and ask: “Why do you want to know?”
Remember that the greatest love and the greatest successes also hold many risks.
Call your mother and father. Live a good, honorable life.
Bless a person who has just sneezed.
Remember: respect for yourself, respect others, and responsibility for your actions.
Do not allow a small disagreement to hurt a great friendship.
When you notice you have made a mistake, take the appropriate steps in order to correct it.
Smile when you answer the phone. Those who call can “hear” your smile.
Spend some time alone. Remember that sometimes, silence is the best answer.
Accept change with open arms; yet do not give up your values.
Read more books and watch television less.
Later, when you grow old and remember the past, you will enjoy them once more.
Believe and trust God, whomever/whatever you conceive God to be, but securely lock your car.
An atmosphere of love at your home is important. Do all that you can in order to create a calm home full of love.
Do not bring back the past. Learn from it and live for the future.
Read in between the lines. Take care of your problems.
Share your knowledge. It is the way to live forever.
Be gentle with our Earth planet.
Pray. Prayer has incredible power.
Never interrupt someone who flatters you.
Do not trust a man or a woman who do not close their eyes when you kiss them.
Once a year, visit a place you never did before.
If you make a lot of money, channel it so as to help others while you are alive.
This is the greatest satisfaction a treasure can reward you.
Remember that sometimes, not getting what you want is being very lucky.
Remember that the greatest relationships are the ones in which the love between two people is greater than the need one has of the other.
Judge your success in light of what you had to give up in order to obtain it.