Stuff you've learnt the hard way

[Bluetree]

When your BF says: "You don't have to come over this weekend, I know you have a lot on your plate and plus, there's a lot of traffic on the freeways."

He really means: "I would really love it if you spent the weekend here and will hold it against you by being non-communicative for the next few days if you don't."

[Bluetree]

Don't wear light-colored pants when you have your period.

Punch holes in potatoes first.

Never test out a new saddle on a century.

[Bluetree]

Never make a flippant remark about a client who "no longer has a plane" before doing your homework to make sure they didn't lose loved ones when that plane crashed. (oh.... that was truly AWFUL)

[jobob]

Oh my, Bluetree, that was unfortunate.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Never ask a woman about her pregnancy unless she brings it up first.
I been present a couple of times in a group of casual conversation when other people (thank God not me) have asked a woman who appeared pregnant when she was 'due'... and one time the woman was just overweight, and another time the woman has just lost a 6 month stillborn fetus a week before and the husband had to answer for her since she just couldn't speak. That was really bad. A good lesson in discretion.

[badgercat]

Never ask a woman about her pregnancy unless she brings it up first.
I been present a couple of times in a group of casual conversation when other people (thank God not me) have asked a woman who appeared pregnant when she was 'due'... and one time the woman was just overweight, and another time the woman has just lost a 6 month stillborn fetus a week before and the husband had to answer for her since she just couldn't speak. That was really bad. A good lesson in discretion.

One of my favorite rules--maybe I read it in a post here, I really don't remember now, so I can't give due credit--is don't assume a woman is pregnant unless you can see a baby crowning.

ETA: I suppose I should add something on topic, as in, something I've learned the hard way!

You can, in fact, get into your top-choice graduate school, with financial aid to boot, after getting dates mixed up and turning your application in ten days past the deadline. I wouldn't recommend this strategy, however.

[indysteel]

Double check before pressing "send" that you did not do a "reply all."

Wnen traveling, pack a change of clothes in your carryon.

[Delta7]

If you want to criticize someone on a conference call and you don't want that person to hear you, make sure the mute button is on!

[solobiker]

If you want to criticize someone on a conference call and you don't want that person to hear you, make sure the mute button is on!

LOL...I second this

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If you want to criticize someone on a conference call and you don't want that person to hear you, make sure the mute button is on!

I can't even imagine taking that chance in the first place!

[Jolt]

This one happened years ago, but here it is: If the doctor tells you you're dehydrated and need to go to the ER to get IV fluids, do NOT guzzle three tall glasses of water in an effort to fix the problem and avoid going to the hospital. It will come back up...rather violently. And you'll still have to go to the ER.

[Aggie_Ama]

Don't wear light-colored pants when you have your period.

+1 7th grade and colored jeans were the rage just not that color. I remember begging to transfer schools from my mother. Shudder.

[Flybye]

Blowing on boiling hot tea/coffee in a travel mug/disposable cup through the little sip hole will not cool it down enough to take a drink.

[indigoiis]

Couples do not need to sit down and talk. It usually ruins the relationship. If you want to grow old peacefully and happily with someone, accept them for who they are and hold your tongue. The irritation will pass. It's better than the frustration of getting into a three hour go-nowhere "talk."

(I'm still learning this one, and usually have the most trouble during that time of the month. When I feel the urge to bring stuff up, I check it and remind myself that a lot of it is hormones.)

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

When you go to the portajohn, make sure that your phone is SECURELY clipped to your belt. Better yet, put it inside your fanny pack before you go.

AAAAAGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!

Couples do not need to sit down and talk. It usually ruins the relationship. If you want to grow old peacefully and happily with someone, accept them for who they are and hold your tongue. The irritation will pass. It's better than the frustration of getting into a three hour go-nowhere "talk."
(I'm still learning this one, and usually have the most trouble during that time of the month. When I feel the urge to bring stuff up, I check it and remind myself that a lot of it is hormones.)

That doesn't work for us. We have had on occasion six hour or even EIGHT hour talks....all day!.... and yes they do go round and round and round and often seem to go nowhere, but eventually we have each stated our own 'issue' in every possible way and feel sufficiently heard and understood, and at that point we are able to start to compromise, negotiate, and reach an agreement we can both live with. It clears the air, enables us to understand each other better....but it sure is a lot of work!
That's what works for us at least. But then again we are both enthusiastic talkers.

Double check before pressing "send" that you did not do a "reply all."

And its companion....never hit SEND if you've just written something when angry or upset....have a cup of tea and wait at least an hour or two, or better yet wait until the next morning before you send it.