To those of you who know me well, this won’t come as a surprise when you read this. But I just figured out that I am a MORALIZER. What’s that you ask? Here is the definition- Moralizer: To think about or express moral judgments or reflections. I’ll have you know it is with the noblest of intentions that I do this as I generally error on the side of “expressing moral reflections” – does that sound like I am rationalizing too? – oops. Ironically, I want to consider myself and be the kind of person who is open minded and accepting. Hopefully I’ll balance myself out once in a while?!
As I went on my daily run this morning I really noticed just how much I do moralize on given subjects. Wow – I know, I am even annoying myself now. It is amazing how I become this passion driven authority on random issues from flirty girls to how the power of positive thinking will make you happy. While these things are completely true and most people would readily agree, I feel compelled to accentuate the issue and give about 25 examples to solidify my argument when nobody even really asked. (Sorry Diana and Trisha, my current and recent running friends)
Not to pass the buck or anything but I do remember calling my mom “preachy pat” – maybe I have a strong genetic tendency in this area? If you want to know the truth, I did call her that, but 95% of the time I really liked what she taught me. Maybe Alexis will reflect back on the time when we sat at Hogi Yogi eating dinner together and I taught her that nobody likes a flirty girl and thank me? FYI – Most girls feel threatened around flirty girls and the boys can’t trust them. See what I mean, I can’t help myself. I just have to let my opinion be heard.
I just realized that this whole entry is yet another moralizing session, about moralizing! Please save me from myself…after all everybody’s opinion matters!
Comments:
Stephen said…
I would agree we are all like this, some of us just don’t admit it. I heard thousands of lectures from Dad, Ed Strobel, and a few others growing up, and would laugh at the time about them, but now they are part of my governing principles in life.
Friday, September 19, 2008 9:48:10 AM
Mom and Dad Parker said…
“Moralizing” is not such a bad thing. You ponder deeply on issues that make a real difference to you and you would like to insulate yourself from personally, but we have never felt that you violated our agency or avoided us if we didn’t agree with you. I personally like to talk to people who have strong opinions and stand up for them,as long as they can disagree without being disagreeable. You are wonderful to be around. Don’t do too much changing on our part. We like you just like you are. We like your Mom too. She is delightful.
Friday, September 19, 2008 2:49:27 PM
Diana said…
I have to laugh (coming from one of your running partners). I don’t think you are moralizing at all. I think that we are having some stimulating conversation and it is great that you can express your opinion and that you are open to others expressing there’s (although I completely agreed with our conversation this morning!) You also need to remember that this is some of the only adult conversation that you get in all day long. It is fabulous to be able to talk and listen about a bunch of different topics. You’re great!
Friday, September 19, 2008 4:06:51 PM