Growing up I was told, spoke when you are spoken too. That was how children and younger people were expected to act in the presence of their seniors. Children should be seen and not heard. When I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it. All of that was the normal expected thing. Children then didn’t suffer from ADHD, we just wouldn’t sit still and be quiet!

You learn by listening, listening to everyone that is. That is what we were actually being taught by those instructions. The adults in the room were talking. When they were talking about subjects not appropriate to your age group, we were dismissed. Yes, there are things that are simply none of your business.

I’m thinking that is a big part of the problem today, too many talking, not enough listening. Having discussion regarding sex and gender with a five-year-old is just crazy! Talking about what was the societal norm one hundred years ago and thinking it applies to today, also crazy. Yes, society changes its’ attitude with each generation.

But now I’m forced to admit it, I’m the old people, the adult in the room. I always knew it would happen one day; there were times I even wanted that to happen. With that admission I am also forced to accept my responsibility. I must share my opinions with everyone, carefully selecting which audience should receive what information. It should be age appropiate.

I used to wonder what those old people were talking about when I was sent out of the room. Was it gossip, was it about me or my friends. As I grew older the possible subject matter changed. Maybe they were just swearing, using those “grown up” words and terms. What were the secrets?

Well, I’ve come to understand that it isn’t secrets that they were keeping, it was wisdom, knowledge and common sense. Old people just have no time for kids talking about things they can’t understand. There are things learned only through experience. Those are what those discussions were all about. That’s why we were told, when you get older, you’ll understand.

I find myself holding these conversations with myself. I write them down and post them to my webpage. Back in the old days that information was exchanged over the proverbial fence or in smoke filled rooms. I feel a responsibility to share. That’s why I’m always sharing my opinions, it’s an obligation.

I was taught, speak when you are spoken too. I was expected to listen and respond in a respectful and thoughtful manner. I learned to respond according to the situation. If you were not being addressed directly, you kept your mouth shut! You should offer your opinion not as a confrontation, but as an alternative.

I’ve been listening and now it is time for me to speak. It’s a funny thing though, the ones listening are my age. The younger folks are just running their mouths, talking nonsense. You find them on Tik-Tok and Instagram. They are also the liberals! Yes, there are those that never grow up enough to be a part of the conversation. Too busy repeating what they hear to understand what they’re saying. They learn by rote, just repeat whatever is popular at the moment, just like children do.