By Vernalee
If someone can discover the magic formula that will keep people out of other folks’ business, they would be extremely wealthy instantly. Why people cannot stay in their own lane is an aged old question. Finding the answer is just as ancient. It is enough work to stay on top of your issues and business without stretching yourself to wander into others. Who has the time? To help in the journey of minding your own business and not that of others, let’s turn again to the experts. Take a look. How to mind your business: “1. Try not to butt in. Some people could care less about what you’re doing or talking about. But others can’t help it. They butt in on everything; it’s natural. Work on it. 2. Ask yourself why you are butting in. Before you go interrupt someone, ask yourself: “Does this concern me?” Let the answer guide you. 3. Walk away instead of butting in. If you figure out that it doesn’t concern you at all, then walk away. 4. Become oblivious and disinterested. Your aim is to mind your business and not be judged for being unapproachable. Be cheerful and happy for others. If you feel the need to find out what they are doing, think about it first. Think before you speak. 5. If you do overhear something of note between two people, or a group of people, but the topic does not concern you or affect you in any way, then let the matter stay between the people it concerns. 6. Gauge their reaction. In order to be not misunderstood as a desperate intruder, keep to your communications limited to your business and involve yourself when invited or asked to. 7. Respect other peoples privacy. If you are not included then it suggests that they feel better without you. Try to figure out what is it that you do that makes others very uncomfortable about you.” If none of that worked, help is on the way. Try these personalized 7 tips for minding my own business. If you are still bordering the fence on whether to butt in or stay out, these tips may help if you are honest with yourself. 1. No one asked for my advice. 2. I don’t know the whole story. 3. It doesn’t affect me. 4. It’s a Secret of Adulthood: Just because something makes me happy doesn’t mean that it will make someone else happy, and vice versa. 5. Don’t gossip. 6. I’m on someone else’s turf. 7. Find explanations in clarity. Stop poking around.” So, in conclusion, how do you learn how (and when) to mind your own business? “Ask yourself these three questions: 1. Is this my business? 2. Is this someone else’s business? 3. Is this God’s business?” To mind or not to mind your own business is the question. No one can answer or do that but you! I dare you to try! Photo credit: www.michaelspencer.wordpress.com; Sources: www.wikihow.com; www.gretchenrubin.com; your tango.com