Snippeteers, do you consider yourself reliable? Are your friends and family able to depend on you to act on what you say you'll do?

What is reliability anyway?

• the quality of being trustworthy
• able to be trusted; predictable or dependable

At this point in life, I have two columns of people - those I know I can rely on and those I cannot. I know which people to turn to, to invite, to ask, to depend on, to follow through, to be there.

And the others? I simply do not bother with them anymore - in that regard.

A recent (small) situation of one of the latter proved - once again - that person remains in the UNRELIABLE column. She said she'd be there - but wasn't. At other times, she says she'll join in the activity - but doesn't. She promises - but doesn't come through. She has lost my trust 100% in her reliability. And ... a little of my respect.

Reliability is actually a very simple formula ...

• if you commit to showing up - show up
• if you commit to a deadline - meet it
• if you make a promise - fulfill it
• if someone is depending on you - don't let him/her down
• if you say you'll call or stop by - call or stop by

Follow through by doing what you say you will do - personally and professionally. And if you know or think you cannot - then don't say it in the first place. Simple. Do not let people down in that way. Do not be "that person" - a name in the UNRELIABLE column.

And if you're tired of those in your life who ARE unreliable ... then stop asking. Stop expecting. They are not going to change most likely. Don't be Charlie Brown ready to kick Lucy's football as she pulls it out from under you - AGAIN. Poor Charlie Brown? No. Stupid Charlie Brown who hasn't yet learned his lesson that Lucy cannot be relied on to leave the football on the ground for him to kick.

And if you have a nice list of people on your RELIABLE column - BRAVO. Stay with them.

And if YOU are on others' RELIABLE column ... additional BRAVO.

The reliability trait is huge ... important ... good. It means you are dependable, responsible, trustworthy and solid.

RELIABLE.

Snippeteers - I can't be trusted to remember everyone's locale.

PLEASE remember to include your TOWN / STATE when you backtalk ...

even if you think I know it already!

"When I cleaned out my daughters’ rooms, I kept some of their favorite items to give at showers and random times in their adult lives. My daughters have appreciated the sentimental gestures and I did not pull on my heartstrings with decisions about memorabilia. Once given, they can throw away things I cherished and I don’t have to know!"

~ Julianne from Baltimore, Maryland

"I always enjoy the way you frame things and the positive, thoughtful and real perspective that you share on so many of life's challenges and celebrations. Oh, what a ride we are on at times - the highs and the lows, the laughter and the tears always resonate with me on some level. Thanks for sharing!!"

~ Hugs, Sandy in Sparks, Maryland



"if you don't know where you're going,

you might go someplace else"

~ yogi berra