Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 41, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 February 1909 — Better Talk Too Much. [ARTICLE]

Better Talk Too Much.

Than to be a Stiff- Unbending Stiff; The sociable soul, who is unhappy when alone, and who if he is unaccompanied by friends will insist upsn scraping an acquaintance with strangers, has long been the subject of the humorist’s pen. So-called humorists delight in writing conversations between such men and tSe dignified gentleman, - wsfco is“annby«r~by the impertinence of the stranger. So, also, the woman who hangs ever the back fence- talking to her neighbors, while her dishes are" ,unwashed, gets a generous share of condemnation. Perhaps she does, deserve ft, but perhaps not. Commend me to these gossiping creatures rather than to those stiff, unbending stiffs, who haven’t a word or a smile for anyone outside the circle of their ©wn small world- The latter are the people who would rather be lampooned by the jokesnsilhs; the conventional toplofty men and -women who are afraid to bow to a stranger, even though he lives next door, because his name Is not in. the blue book or his wife is not a member of the patriotic societies car does not belong to any of the prominent gambling associations, commonly known as bridge elubs. It is far pleasanter to live day by day alongside of a woman who talks too much than ak>ng side cf one who is so engrossed and wrapped up in herself and her possessions, that she cannot talk at all. or one who will pass you week after week, knowing that you live just a few blocks away, and yet cannot even unbvnd enough, to say good morning. Of course, talkative women are of>times a nuisance, but at least you are sure they have the milk of human kindness in their breast. Even if it does make you wince occasionally to have them put you on a level with themselves, that Is not half so bad as to be held inferior tSy the other class, who ara really not half bo cultured and well-bred as you are. Moat every one has neighbors who belong to either of these two classes, and, instead of aping after the snobby woman, it would be better to be contented with the talkative woman and cultivate her even though for a neighbor only. Besides there is the Christian side of the question. Christianity means nothing if it does not mean helpfulness, and how can a person who shuts himself up and never gets into the life of his neighbor help anyone, not excepting himself. A word for the man who “Jollies” and Ik companionable. He has twloe the Influence of his silent brother and three times as many friends. Therefore, ye calms, “Jolly up.”