Opinions

I’m getting a reputation in my later years for being opinionated.
That is so funny to me.

Maybe because I grew up in the middle of a large family and no one ever asked my opinion. It wouldn’t have done any good; I didn’t have one. I didn’t need one.

Much of my life I was just a milquetoast that went along with everyone and everything. I guess everyone’s gotta grow up sometime.

My children will tell you that in my maturing I have become more blunt and outspoken. That's not a compliment to me. But I saw it happen to my own mother, so maybe it’s normal.

When I do express an opinion, I am well aware that someone else will see it differently, that someone smarter will see a larger and more accurate view, and that opinions change more often than Paris Hilton’s outfit, even mine.

So of what use are opinions? Not much, unless they are based in truth. But they help us get by in this vastly complex and incomprehensible world. They make us sound like we know something. They let us feel, if only for a moment, like we are somebody.

I like to think that if I have an opinion, it’s because I’ve lived long enough or thought hard enough to have one. Even then most tastes, preferences and opinions can be explained by physiology or experience, not by any great intelligence.

And you will find that there are a great many things in this world about which I have no opinion at all.

So forgive me the few I have. It’s all there is to me.
I promise I’ll try to put some thought behind them.
And I'll forgive you yours.