Stephen Lawrence Brayton's Blog – October 2016 Archive (4)

EMPATHY

Reviewing last week's post at the point where I mentioned my creative answer to a rejection. The part about her switching to a yes because of my sincere heart.

This sincerity fits with this week's topic. How many times have you told a story or explained a situation and the other person's expression is blank or else tosses off a token sympathy statement?

Sympathy and empathy have different meanings. If…

KISS

The acronym and the word fits the theme of this series. Because that first kiss is a wonderful goal. To back up a few steps is where the oft used phrase comes into play. Usually related to speeches, I think it also can be used for asking for a date.

Be brief and be specific. This brings to mind post #2, the avoidance of rambling. Again, get in, say what needs to be said, get out.

Well, stay in if…

WHATCHU' TALKIN' ABOUT

Whenever Willis said something to evoke this question from his brother, it usually involved either a crazy scheme to extract themselves from troublesome situation or involved an important lesson Arnold didn't quite comprehend.

If Willis had tailored the message properly, he might not have had to explain it.

Politicians do this a lot. Prepare a speech to be favorable to whatever group…

DISTRACTIONS

As an author, I'm constantly reminded to remove distractions and write. Turn off the Internet, close down Facebook, turn off the phone.

We have become a techno-crazy world where common sense and simply courtesy have been replaced by the latest Snap Chat or Instagram image. Where a family at a restaurant all will be plinking on their phones instead of, you know, talking to each other.

So, in…