In Others’ Words: Criticism

Beth VogtFun, Life, Quotes 32 Comments

“Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes.” ~Jack Handey (1949-),American humorist

So I posted this quote because it made me laugh out loud. Literally.

And then I read it to my daughter, Amy, and her fiancé, David, and they laughed out loud too.

Ditto for my husband.

I would love to give you a deeper reason for why I like this quote … but there it is: laughter.

In Your Words: What made you laugh this week?

I’m visiting with author Cathy West today over at her blog This is a Blog about Books. (I wish I was really visiting with Cathy because she lives in Bermuda!) Come on over and join us … and find why I used the word “peculiar” to describe myself.

Comments 32

  1. I laughed at my own self-doubt over a critical work-related issue. I needed a miracle, and of course, God pulled through. Why oh why do I fret and fuss? I’m human, so sometimes I think God is limited too, but we know the truth.

    I laughed with my husband so many times this week that I can’t pinpoint one thing in particular. I laughed when the garbage truck stopped to pick up our trash, and one of my Little Darlings said, “Wisa, your lunch is here.”

  2. I wish I could post a picture here. My daughter posted two pictures on facebook this week. One of her husband playing the instrument he received for father’s day and the next of her 3 year old grand son with his fists up around his head and his little arms flexed, showing off his “pork chops”. What was funny was that if you didn’t know that was what Noah was doing, it looked like he was holding his ears while his grandpa played. I’ve looked at those pictures a lot this week and chuckled every time.

    1. Really, Katie? I hadn’t read this before — and then I went to Jack Handey’s website to see what else he’s said. Funny guy.

  3. My youngest had lots of fun hanging out together yesterday, playing all sorts of made up games (like trash can, etc.). This is my last day with her at home alone before she heads to school full-time next year. I plan to do some laughing today.
    ~ Wendy

  4. Hilarious laugh out loud quote. When you posted on Facebook about the dress disaster, I recalled the stress of being a wedding photographer. Bitter X’s who don’t get along, trying to figure out who to pair for the first dance, remarried spouses glaring at old spouses, family dynamics (a big UGH!), a stressed-out bride flipping out because everything isn’t perfect, a member of the wedding party showing up late or showing up and then keeling over during the ceremony. I recall the day I stopped stressing over dynamics/mishaps interrupting their “perfect” day and seeing these incidents as humorous. The bridal party probably thought my smiles denoted a really happy person, when in fact when I looked through the lens of my camera, I was viewing snippets from a sitcom.

  5. The photo made me smile before I read the quote. Pets have a great way of bringing humor to our lives. I’ve laughed countless times this week over something one of my dogs did . . . Have you ever noticed how a dog or a cat has a natural delivery? They’re perfect comedians when they want to be 🙂

  6. My children make me laugh all the time! Right now my two year olds are mimicking everything we say, but in their own strange translations. The older of the twins especially likes to mimick us when we discipline one of his siblings. I’ve already had to tell him many times he’s not the mommy. 🙂 But he has great manners and tells everyone thank you for everything. Just yesterday the waiter at Olive Garden said: “Wow, he has great manners!” He says please and thank you and even “bless you” when someone sneezes. They fill me up!!

  7. As a cat lover, I LOVE the picture, Beth! What a sweet face. Oh, my Friend, I cannot recall one particular instance of laughter this week – there seem to be so many. Life is a hoot and friends make it a treasure. Laughing with you and your wonderful quote!

    1. I know, I know — found this picture and thought: Perfect! And I’m wondering: Whose shoes did this guy steal?
      😉

  8. I laughed, too, but before I laughed that first sentence hit home. Only great truths carry this kind of humor. I love all of the quotes you post, Beth. Keep ’em coming – please.

    More and more I laugh more and more. ;- )

  9. Ha! That IS hilarious.

    What made me laugh this week: My coworkers. In fact, I’m pretty sure my mascara is still smeared from this morning’s hysterics. Good times at the office, friends. Good times.

  10. My #2 son is notoriously droll and VERY dry. He looked like he’d been up for 62 hours straight at an grump marathon when he walked past the kitchen this morning.
    Me: “Can I have a hug?”
    Him(without even looking at me):”what for?”

    I wonder if there’s a Hallmark card for that?

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