This George Washington Friday...

"Don't be a flatterer, and don't play with people who don't like to be played with."

George Washington's Rules 

of Civility and Decent Behavior

     Here is another rule that is -- once, again -- all about respect. Both the giving and receiving of it. The important thing to remember with this one is that while others may not object to such attentions at the moment, you can be sure they understand exactly how deep, or how shallow, such behavior runs. Our emotional gauges are not based on age or intelligence. Proven easily by the fact that even a toddler knows when he is teased unfairly or made a joke of. 

     The dictionary defines flattering this way: 

"To compliment excessively and often insincerely, especially in order to win favor."

 or 

"To show off becomingly or advantageously."

     Make a habit of this little rule and people will be naturally drawn to you, even if they don't know why. And before you say, "But it's too much fun to give up!" it might be good to realize that momentary pleasures never outweigh long-term effects. No matter what the subject is. Which isn't just  another George Washington rule.

     It's a law of Nature.