Claire often refers to me as a curmudgeon. When she first started doing that, I thought it was a compliment. But then, after a while, I looked it up\u2026. I\u2019m pretty sure it wasn\u2019t a compliment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what I found:
Curmudgeon n
1) archaic: a crusty, ill-tempered, churlish old man
2) modern; anyone who hates hypocrisy and pretense and has the temerity to say so; anyone with the habit of pointing out unpleasant facts in an engaging and humorous manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I guess that describes me somewhat \u2014 maybe it\u2019s not a compliment to be called curmudgeon, but maybe it\u2019s not necessarily bad either. After all, we\u2019d fall prey to every hare-brained scheme going if it weren\u2019t for grumpy old men (and women.) I guess I should mention \u2014 since I had to research the subject \u2014 women can be curmudgeons \u2014 the word describes a unique kind of personality and isn\u2019t limited by the physical attributes of the person. Of course, women aren\u2019t usually labeled curmudgeons \u2014 they get categorized as an old spinsters, battle-axes, or old biddys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But anyhow, today, January 29, is Curmudgeons Day. So you may disagree with all the curmudgeons in your life every other day, but today \u2014 on Curmudgeons Day, you should honor them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grumpy characters are interesting and multidimensional. Just think about the Muppets\u2026 we love Oscar the Grouch, Statler and Waldorf (the old men who sit in the balcony and mock whatever is happening onstage) and people like Walter Matthau and Andy Rooney.
In fact, this day is observed on January 29th because that\u2019s the birthday of one of America\u2019s most beloved curmudgeons \u2014 W.C. Fields.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One thing you have to say about curmudgeons \u2014 they understand their unlikeability and they still stay true to themselves. Changing to please others is overrated.
So you can honor us curmudgeons if you choose, but today we\u2019ll raise a glass to our own authentic selves.
\u2014 30 \u2014<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Claire often refers to me as a curmudgeon. When she first started doing that, I thought it was a compliment. But then, after a while, I looked it up\u2026. I\u2019m pretty sure it wasn\u2019t a compliment. Here\u2019s what I found:Curmudgeon … Continue reading