A post crossed my morning quick instagram scroll, and I lingered over it for a moment or two.
It sounded like a piece of advice, reminding us that it’s much better to shut the door on arguments than to open it wide or even it ajar.
It used some beautiful and clever Arabic sayings.
And here I am, choosing one of those old proverbs to write this today’s post.
People say: don’t only tie the donkey wherever his owner wants, but also praise the knot.
In other words, if the donkey doesn’t mind where it’s tied, and its owner doesn’t mind either, why would you?
Can you just guard your peace of mind?
Why look for more headaches?
Doesn’t life give us enough headaches already?
Some people would say that’s flattery, or even worse, hypocrisy.
Honestly, I had the same thought when I read it. Not only that, I imagined I was sitting under the shade of a big green tree, watching those three characters: the donkey, its owner, and the hired hand.
I could see that the hired hand was wise enough to guard his peace of mind. He tied the donkey, added a small compliment about the knot, and patted the donkey. The employer nodded in approval and walked away. Tired, the hired hand found a cool shade under a large tree, and unwrapped a small box to eat his lunch.
Was there any flattery, any hypocrisy in this simple interaction?
Now I can say no, definitely no.
If you know what type of person you’re dealing with, then you will also know when it’s better to avoid arguing with them.
Some people will do their best to stir up problems, to create them, and to even challenge you to get involved. But there are others who get the hint just in time. Those are the ones who smile and shut the door before trouble even thinks about ringing the bell.
With be–careful thoughts,
Nahla
