Sunday, February 28, 2010

Admitting a mistake!!

I saw something very nice on television last night. At the beginning of the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics, the Canadian Olympic Committee made fun of the glitch that occurred on the opening ceremonies, when one of the four columns that was to hold the Olympic flame failed to rise. By making fun of their own mistake, they accomplished two things. Firstly, they admitted making a mistake and secondly, they accepted the shortcoming in their planning.

So how often does one see that in our day-to-day life? Not enough. We all make mistakes. Some of them we realize, others we don't. Its a part of life. I probably make a few before I leave the house each morning! And like many others, I too hesitate to admit to them. I think the world would be a lot more happier and less complicated if people admitted to their mistakes. That's the only way we can get better and improve ourselves.

Mistakes are painful when we make them. But down the years, a collection of mistakes is called "Experience." Thinking we know, when in fact we don't, is a common error in judgment, to which we are all prone. It is the highest form of self-respect to admit to our shortcomings and make amends for them. We should learn from the mistakes of others because we won't live long enough to make them all ourselves!

"There's no bigger mistake than that of thinking we have never made one!"

Sunday, February 14, 2010

The Valentine questions!!

Well, yesterday was Valenine's day. For a lot of men, its like an exam or a tough interview! They have to come through with their "thoughtfulness"and/or "sensitivity", and believe me, that's no easy task. I though I did pretty well and passed the exam.....till the party in the evening!

Now don't get me wrong, the Valentine party was great. It was hosted by one of the nicest couples I know. The party was going well till the hosts separated the men and women. Both groups were given questionnaires. The men were asked to fill out likes and dislikes, and favorite things about their wives. The wives were supposed to fill out similar matching questions. The scene on the men's side was fascinating. There was an undercurrent of tension running through the room and suddenly the boisterous men were very quiet. Although most men tried to cover up their nervousness with not-so-funny jokes, you could see the faint beads of perspiration, the shaky hands and the nervous tics on the faces of all the so-called "macho" men. And I was one of them! Some men, after reading the questions, headed to the bar to get some "liquid courage".

Devastating thoughts like "What if I don't get even one question right?" raced through my mind. One of the questions was "Who is your wife's favorite designer?" The only name that came to my mind was "Toll Brothers"! Another one asked about her favorite color, still another about her favorite restaurant. Then there was a question -- "What about you annoys or upsets her?" God, I thought to myself, where do I start? This paper is too small for that answer! But like most other men in the room, I crossed my fingers, praised the Lord and answered the questions.

The Gods were kind to me and I got a few questions right. What a relief that was! I could see a few men being "talked to" by stern looking wives. But the dancing later dissolved all the petulance and all was well again......I think! All in all, it was a great party and hours we spent there sped by fast.

"I've learned that only two things are necessary to keep one's wife happy. First, let her think she's having her own way. And second, let her have it." ~ Lyndon B. Johnson