Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 209, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 August 1912 — TACT BETTER THAN COMMAND [ARTICLE]

TACT BETTER THAN COMMAND

Good Idea to Let “Less Criticism and More Comradeship” Be Your Guiding Motto. r . V “Less criticism and more comradeship,” would be a helpful maxim for all homes. It is easy enough to be pleasant to the casual acquaintance, but the great difficulty lies ih b9ing decent to those who are devoted to us —-to those who are ever willing to forgive our shortcomings. There is no duty above treating your friends courteously and trying to illuminate the general monotony of the lives of those you love. In home life tact will succeed often where command will fail. Suggestions will go farther than argument. Direction is so much better than dictation. Criticism of loved ones is a vice that takes possession of one like a stimulant, or a drug, once it is encouraged. It may begin in our socalled high moral standard and hatred of sin. But once it becomes a habit, it is indulged in fox the satisfaction it gives. An Eden can be ruined by constant fault-finding, selfishness, and withholding the words of praise. A paradise can be created by small kindnesses and by thinking sweet and helpful thoughts of those about you. The next time you feel like criticising a loved one, force yourself to say something complimentary to him instead. Try it and see if you won't be happier.