Danny Quinney
Some people are just jerks: It has always amazed me how much the opinions of others matter. Their opinions don’t. I once heard someone say that “you wouldn’t worry so much about what other people thought of you if you realized how often they do”. Think about it. You have family, friends, associates, neighbors and a list of others who think you’re a great guy. You have one person who doesn’t like you and it’s all you can think about. That’s like going to a park to have a picnic and putting your blanket by the only pile of dog crap.
First dates should always be fun, and cheap. If the young woman you have on a date with you can’t have fun unless there is a $90.00 steak in front of her – take her home. You don’t want any part of that.
Pray and be a spiritual leader.
Get an education. My biggest regret of my life is not finishing college. It isn’t the piece of paper I miss. It’s what it represents. KNOWLEGDE. Remember, your knowledge and education is something that nobody can take away from you. If college isn’t your thing (it should be) be educated in the field you choose. You will never regret it.
Don’t ever believe what you’re told. Seriously. Don’t ever believe it. Be critical of everything you hear. That includes your teachers, professors, media, church leaders, and parents. There is such thing as Truth. Find it. Just don’t blindly follow anyone.
A boy becomes a man when a man is needed.
Be patriotic. Does the United States have problems? Yes. Are there parts of our history that are embarrassing? Absolutely. The United States is still the best country in the world. Remember, this country is the first country to ever be born. Ever. Every other country in the history of the world was made from brutal / tribal warfare. The United States was created by a brilliant set of men who rationally produced something by thought.
From now until the day you die, your brain and your penis will be fighting a never-ending battle to see who rules you, your decision making, your choices, and your future. You CANNOT let your penis win. Your penis can be tricky, dastardly, diabolical, deceiving, deceptive, and … well… a dick. DO NOT make any life decisions with an erection. Sexual urges are not bad. They are good. There is a time and a place for them.
Who you marry is the single biggest decision you will EVER make. Your current and future happiness depend on this decision. I could expound on this for pages. But I’m going to let that stand.
Once you are married NEVER say the word “divorce.” Once it is said, it’s an option. My mom gave your mother and me this advice before we were married. It is BRILLIANT.
Learn to save money while you’re young because you’ll need it some day.
The grass is never greener. Women are different animals. Although they have their personal quirks and idiosyncrasies, there isn’t much difference about what makes them them. I sincerely believe if you took 100 random men and asked them to list the 10 things that most annoy them about their wives, the lists would be pretty much the same.
I’m bringing this up because there will be a point in your marriage where you’ll think “there has got to be a better option than this.” Chances are there isn’t. Every relationship goes through stages. The “honeymoon” stage is the most fun and a lot of marriages end when that stage ends. It’s sad. Just remember the grass is never greener. Make sure you commit to the right person so that your love for and attraction to her will help you deal with the inevitable “drrrrrrs (eyeroll)” period.
STAY OUTTA DEBT!!!! OHMIGOSH stay out of debt. It is prison. It is the worst thing you could do. Education, maybe. Modest home, if you have to. Modest car, maybe. Dinner and a movie, NEVER.
Always buy quality. Again advice my mom gave me. If there are two garlic presses for sale, one for $3.00 the other for $10.00, if you have to, save up and buy the one for ten bucks. You will never regret it.
Don’t ever be a bully and don’t ever start a fight. But always defend yourself.
Do whatever you have to do to provide for your family If that means working three jobs – do it. Trust me, it sucks. FYI, if you get an education your ability to provide really increases.
Speak up. Don’t be afraid to say what you feel. If you have something meaningful to say, say it.
Never pass up the opportunity to Shut-up. I know it doesn’t mesh with what I just said, but…you’ll figure it out.
Peer pressure is a scary thing. Be a good leader and others will follow.
Treat everyone with respect. Especially women, girls and children
Whatever you’ve been asked to do, do just a little bit more. Exceed expectations. If your Mom asks you to wash the dishes, wash them AND wipe off the counter. If your Dad asks you to mow the lawn, mow it AND pick up any stray trash. If your parent’s are expecting a ‘C’ grade, fight and claw for a ‘B.’ I know this sounds like nothing but extra work. But in business, it makes it so you are irreplaceable to your employer, and gets you new customers. In your relationships, it builds trust. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is only five letters. Just a little ‘extra.’
Be strong and tender at the same time.
Sharpen the saw When I was in my early twenties I read “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey. The seventh habit is “Sharpen the Saw.” There are three aspects to you: your body, your spirit and your brain. Make time to sharpen each.
And last of all: Remember who you are and what you represent. Be good, do good.