The generosity of Americans is very evident by the sales of merchandise advertised for giving to those you love. I was surprised at advertisements and news stories this season suggesting that Americans give to themselves first. How funny. I am tossed as to how to process this attitude. It may be the best trend ever for people to do. Followed by giving your loved one’s money; so they can buy what they truly want, right? It takes all the mystery out of what you think someone really wants for a gift.

Another point of view however is how do you show people what you truly need to have as a gift.  An individual wearing the same T-Shirt every day might suggest they need a new T-Shirt. Instead of suggesting that an individual loves a T-Shirt so much they are willing to wash and dry it every night to be able to ear it every day. I think which ever is the case, it is why we are all terrible at reading peoples minds. We may be worst at guessing what makes them happy.

The one saying that “wealth does not bring happiness” has not talked to enough to really wealthy people. By the same thinking to suggest someone has to be “miserable in their poverty” has not talked to enough people with no money. Stories of drug addicted people living super happy for years as long as the next dose comes on time are true. Some homeless people want to be left alone and are happy with their life.

However, there are unmistakable evidences of people in need even though they may be to proud to admit it. That is where sincere & honest charity comes into play.

In the playhouse of my mind and in what I hope turns into an intelligent discussion today, is to question, do we really know what anyone is thinking ever? I have a dear person whom I love with all my heart but all to often I hear,”that is not what I meant”.

( A teacher at Kansas City Kansas Community College taught English and in the curriculum talked to us in English from centuries ago. I did not understand one word). It has gotten that bad understanding some of the conversations today. The following is an example: From Mentalfloss.com

The team over at Merriam-Webster is responsible for keeping a vigilant eye on shifting language trends. They’ve made some pretty bold moves recently (like declaring that a hot dog is a sandwich). Now, they’re adding over 1000 new words to the dictionary, some of which are sure to raise a few eyebrows. As you might expect, the latest batch features plenty of internet-bred slang terms. If you’ve ever been at a loss when someone tells you they just finished binge-watching their favorite NSFW mumblecore films, Merriam-Webster can now help you translate. The new entries also include words related to fields like sports, medicine, and politics. For a sample of the most recent additions to the dictionary, refer to the listicle below:
1. AIRBALL (V.) To completely miss the basket, rim, and backboard with a shot: to shoot an air ball.
2. BINGE-WATCH (V.) To watch many or all episodes of (a TV series) in rapid succession.
3. BOKEH (N.) The blurred quality or effect seen in the out-of-focus portion of a photograph taken with a narrow depth of field.
4. CONLANG (N.) An invented language.
5. ELDERFLOWER (N.) The flower of an elderberry (such as Sambucus nigra) used especially in making wines, liqueurs, and teas.
6. FACE-PALM (V.) To cover one’s face with the hand as an expression of embarrassment.
7. FAST FASHION (N.) An approach to the design, creation, and marketing of clothing fashions that emphasizes making fashion trends quickly and cheaply available to consumers.
8. FIRST WORLD PROBLEM (N.) A usually minor or trivial problem or annoyance experienced by people in relatively affluent or privileged circumstances especially as contrasted with problems of greater social significance facing people in poor and underdeveloped parts of the world.
9. FOOD INSECURE (ADJ.) Unable to consistently access or afford adequate food.
10. GHOST (V.) To abruptly cut off all contact with (someone, such as a former romantic partner) by no longer accepting or responding to phone calls, instant messages, etc.
11. GINGER (N.) A person with red hair.
12. HUMBLEBRAG (V.) To make a seemingly modest, self-critical, or casual statement or reference that is meant to draw attention to one’s admirable or impressive qualities or achievements.
13. LISTICLE (N.) An article consisting of a series of items presented as a list.
14. MICROAGGRESSION (N.) A comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group (such as a racial minority).
15. MICROBIOME (N.) A community of microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses) that inhabit a particular environment and especially the collection of microorganisms living in or on the human body.
16. MUMBLECORE (N.) A genre of narrative film focusing primarily on the intimate lives of young characters and featuring scenes of ample dialogue and minimal action.
17. NSFW (ABBR.)Not safe for work; not suitable for work—used to warn someone that a website, email attachment, etc., is not suitable for viewing at most places of employment.
18. PAREIDOLIA (N.)The tendency to perceive a specific, often meaningful image in a random or ambiguous visual pattern.
19. PHOTOBOMB (V.)To move into the frame of a photograph as it is being taken as a joke or prank.
20. PING (N.)A signal sent from one computer to another across a network for usually diagnostic purposes (as to determine network speed or the status of the target computer).
21. PROSOPAGNOSIA (N.) An inability to recognize faces.
22. SAFE SPACE (N.)

A place (as on a college campus) intended to be free of bias, conflict, criticism, or potentially threatening actions, ideas, or conversations.
23. SEUSSIAN (ADJ.) Of, relating to, or suggestive of the works of Dr. Seuss.
24. SIDE-EYE (N.) A sidelong glance or gaze especially when expressing scorn, suspicion, disapproval, or veiled curiosity.
25. TRAIN WRECK (N.) An utter disaster or mess: a disastrous calamity or source of trouble.
26. TRUTHER (N.) One who believes that the truth about an important subject or event is being concealed from the public by a powerful conspiracy.
27. WAYBACK (N.) The area in the back of a van, station wagon, or SUV.
28. WEAK SAUCE (N.) Something inferior, ineffective, or unimpressive: something weak.
29. WOO-WOO (ADJ.) Dubiously or outlandishly mystical, supernatural, or unscientific.
30. YOWZA (INTERJ.) Used to express surprise or amazement.

So what does all this have to do with anything. You decide next time you try to express yourself and find yourself being bombarded by people who think they can read your mind and are totally up to date with today’s hidden language, political correctness & tell you they know exactly what you just said. And look to see if their environment suggests they are truly in need of help but don’t know how to ask for it.

God Bless You & Have a Happy New Year