SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDELINES
In this age of social media and instant access it is important that we as healthcare professionals maintain and uphold the standards of our profession. So I have created some guidelines to aid clinicians navigate the grey areas surrounding social media interaction.
1) THINK BEFORE YOU POST - once you post a picture or comment (even if you delete it afterwards) it is considered on the internet forever. You will not know who has taken a picture of it or posted it to another page or other media format. Therefore always assess your input beforehand and think 'is this upholding the decorum of the profession and yourself?'
Would you be happy if your patients saw the post or your friends/colleagues or family?
2) DO NOT BLUR LINES : it is easy to add a patient as a friend as you do not want to appear to seem rude but make sure that your business and your personal identities are separate. One runs the risk of creating improper relationships online leading to compromised standards whether with a patient or a colleague. Try to establish clear boundaries so that there is no confusion. If reposting someone’s work always give credit where possible (write ‘not my work’ if you can’t find out) and do not put anything funny or derogatory comments associated with it as it can always be misinterpreted.
3) BLACK AND WHITE IS NOT ALWAYS CLEAR : You may leave a comment that you think is harmless or amusing but taken out of context in word format it could be read in a very different way and interpreted by some not in the original manner intended. I would advise you to always re read your comment before posting (checking grammar and spelling and punctuation). Also if there is some ambiguity it may be worth explaining at the end of your comment that it is a joke and not to be taken seriously. If it is in any way deemed offensive you are best off deleting the comment.
People doing the following should be warned/blocked:
i) Acting unprofessional and demeaning the profession or colleagues.
ii) Verbal or racial, discriminatory abuse.
iii) Undermining peoples values or beliefs or supporting someone who does do this.
iv) Liking a large number of photos and commenting lots without following will not get you blocked but may give you restricted access.
v) Constantly ask for advice on individual cases and are not willing to do the research yourself or attend courses to find the answer.
vi) Discuss things in an aggressive disrespectful tone and try to force your opinion onto others thinking that your way is the only and best way.
vii) Look down at other dentists from other countries as inferior to you or your education.
viii) Think that just because I am on social media and that I teach that I should do what you say be your own free personal tutor.
ix) Have passed off my work or others work as your own.
x) Only critique and never praise anyone.
xi) Waste time and are irritating and false (as I get older this one may become more of a dominant factor lol)
xii) Trying to sell something or have heavy corporate bias.
4) PEOPLE ARE HUMAN : We all make mistakes so if someone has said something that offends you and they apologise for it please do not persecute them unnecessarily. Hopefully you will have highlighted their error in a gentle way so that they can learn for future reference. Also beware that english may not be their first language or their approach in their culture may be somewhat different than that of your own.
5) QUESTIONS & COMMENTS : If you ask another clinician a question and do not want it seen publicly please private message or email them. If you ask a question please formulate it in a way that is respectful (i.e. add please and thank you). An example of a properly formulated question is: "dear dr X, thank you for sharing this picture/comment. Would it be possible for you to clarify this...... for me please. Many thanks Dr Y". Sometimes a clinician will not respond for a number of reasons i) they do not understand your question ii) the way you phrased the question was impolite or disrespectful iii) they do not know the answer iv) it is an old post and they cannot remember the details v) they are very busy and do not have time to respond to every comment vi) the answer is very complex and is not appropriate to discuss on social media. If this happens do not be offended and try to find another appropriate channel to find the answer to your question. If they do respond please be polite and like their comment or thank them for taking the time to respond. Do NOT use social media as a substitute to actual comprehensive teaching or education.
6) EVERYONE IS A CRITIC : Sharing cases is a great way to promote self esteem and improve and advertise your work. We encourage as many people to post their work as much as possible, but be prepared to take some constructive criticism. When posting make sure images are anonymised where possible and that the patient has given consent for such posts and contact your dental indemnity to make sure consent forms are appropriately comprehensive to cover social media and advertising. Hopefully the people leaving comments on your work will be nice about it but be prepared for negative comments also. One needs to develop a thick skin and reflect upon the good and the bad aspects of their work in order to improve. If you see a case that you do not agree with, it is either best to say nothing or if you must comment phrase your sentence in a non-aggressive tone i.e. "thank you for sharing your case, did you consider this option at all? Because I find that..... etc etc." Also if you do critique someones work you should be prepared to share your own work to that same level or better with appropriate follow ups.
7) YOUR WAY IS NOT THE ONLY WAY : Some clinicians have extra ordinary skills and can perform treatments that not many others can. So do not presume what is not successful in your hands is not in another persons. Try to instead find out why they are successful or realise the limits of what you can achieve within a given scenario.
8) DO NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE : Do not take social media too seriously or become addicted to likes as it can be a dangerous spiral to low self worth and depression. Sometime images are altered or photoshopped or comments corporately biased. Real life is always more important and valuable than a virtual one, do not get lost in the hype. Try to go at least 1 or 2 weekends a year completely disconnected from the internet to reset yourself to detox.
9) DO NOT MAKE IT PERSONAL : If someone makes a personal attack against you, it is best to adopt one of the following approaches: i) be especially respectful and agree to disagree ii) ignore the comment or person iii) discuss the concern in private with that person not on a public forum iv) if that person does not alter or change their behaviour then use the block facility so all future contact is stopped (make sure all diplomatic avenues are explored beforehand).
10) DENTISTRY CAN BE SOLITARY : As a profession it can be quite stressful and lonely at times. I would always advise you to have someone to talk to about your day or problems confidentially. Do not bottle it up and let it consume you. There is a social support group called 'mental dental' on Facebook or contact myself on dentistrybythomas@dr.com and I will forward information for counselling services. You will have tough days but what I have found in dentistry is that everyday resets back to zero the next working day and try to focus on the things you enjoy the most. Remember there is a world outside of dentistry just waiting to be explored do not be glued to your phone!!!
All the very best THOMAS xXx
1) THINK BEFORE YOU POST - once you post a picture or comment (even if you delete it afterwards) it is considered on the internet forever. You will not know who has taken a picture of it or posted it to another page or other media format. Therefore always assess your input beforehand and think 'is this upholding the decorum of the profession and yourself?'
Would you be happy if your patients saw the post or your friends/colleagues or family?
2) DO NOT BLUR LINES : it is easy to add a patient as a friend as you do not want to appear to seem rude but make sure that your business and your personal identities are separate. One runs the risk of creating improper relationships online leading to compromised standards whether with a patient or a colleague. Try to establish clear boundaries so that there is no confusion. If reposting someone’s work always give credit where possible (write ‘not my work’ if you can’t find out) and do not put anything funny or derogatory comments associated with it as it can always be misinterpreted.
3) BLACK AND WHITE IS NOT ALWAYS CLEAR : You may leave a comment that you think is harmless or amusing but taken out of context in word format it could be read in a very different way and interpreted by some not in the original manner intended. I would advise you to always re read your comment before posting (checking grammar and spelling and punctuation). Also if there is some ambiguity it may be worth explaining at the end of your comment that it is a joke and not to be taken seriously. If it is in any way deemed offensive you are best off deleting the comment.
People doing the following should be warned/blocked:
i) Acting unprofessional and demeaning the profession or colleagues.
ii) Verbal or racial, discriminatory abuse.
iii) Undermining peoples values or beliefs or supporting someone who does do this.
iv) Liking a large number of photos and commenting lots without following will not get you blocked but may give you restricted access.
v) Constantly ask for advice on individual cases and are not willing to do the research yourself or attend courses to find the answer.
vi) Discuss things in an aggressive disrespectful tone and try to force your opinion onto others thinking that your way is the only and best way.
vii) Look down at other dentists from other countries as inferior to you or your education.
viii) Think that just because I am on social media and that I teach that I should do what you say be your own free personal tutor.
ix) Have passed off my work or others work as your own.
x) Only critique and never praise anyone.
xi) Waste time and are irritating and false (as I get older this one may become more of a dominant factor lol)
xii) Trying to sell something or have heavy corporate bias.
4) PEOPLE ARE HUMAN : We all make mistakes so if someone has said something that offends you and they apologise for it please do not persecute them unnecessarily. Hopefully you will have highlighted their error in a gentle way so that they can learn for future reference. Also beware that english may not be their first language or their approach in their culture may be somewhat different than that of your own.
5) QUESTIONS & COMMENTS : If you ask another clinician a question and do not want it seen publicly please private message or email them. If you ask a question please formulate it in a way that is respectful (i.e. add please and thank you). An example of a properly formulated question is: "dear dr X, thank you for sharing this picture/comment. Would it be possible for you to clarify this...... for me please. Many thanks Dr Y". Sometimes a clinician will not respond for a number of reasons i) they do not understand your question ii) the way you phrased the question was impolite or disrespectful iii) they do not know the answer iv) it is an old post and they cannot remember the details v) they are very busy and do not have time to respond to every comment vi) the answer is very complex and is not appropriate to discuss on social media. If this happens do not be offended and try to find another appropriate channel to find the answer to your question. If they do respond please be polite and like their comment or thank them for taking the time to respond. Do NOT use social media as a substitute to actual comprehensive teaching or education.
6) EVERYONE IS A CRITIC : Sharing cases is a great way to promote self esteem and improve and advertise your work. We encourage as many people to post their work as much as possible, but be prepared to take some constructive criticism. When posting make sure images are anonymised where possible and that the patient has given consent for such posts and contact your dental indemnity to make sure consent forms are appropriately comprehensive to cover social media and advertising. Hopefully the people leaving comments on your work will be nice about it but be prepared for negative comments also. One needs to develop a thick skin and reflect upon the good and the bad aspects of their work in order to improve. If you see a case that you do not agree with, it is either best to say nothing or if you must comment phrase your sentence in a non-aggressive tone i.e. "thank you for sharing your case, did you consider this option at all? Because I find that..... etc etc." Also if you do critique someones work you should be prepared to share your own work to that same level or better with appropriate follow ups.
7) YOUR WAY IS NOT THE ONLY WAY : Some clinicians have extra ordinary skills and can perform treatments that not many others can. So do not presume what is not successful in your hands is not in another persons. Try to instead find out why they are successful or realise the limits of what you can achieve within a given scenario.
8) DO NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE : Do not take social media too seriously or become addicted to likes as it can be a dangerous spiral to low self worth and depression. Sometime images are altered or photoshopped or comments corporately biased. Real life is always more important and valuable than a virtual one, do not get lost in the hype. Try to go at least 1 or 2 weekends a year completely disconnected from the internet to reset yourself to detox.
9) DO NOT MAKE IT PERSONAL : If someone makes a personal attack against you, it is best to adopt one of the following approaches: i) be especially respectful and agree to disagree ii) ignore the comment or person iii) discuss the concern in private with that person not on a public forum iv) if that person does not alter or change their behaviour then use the block facility so all future contact is stopped (make sure all diplomatic avenues are explored beforehand).
10) DENTISTRY CAN BE SOLITARY : As a profession it can be quite stressful and lonely at times. I would always advise you to have someone to talk to about your day or problems confidentially. Do not bottle it up and let it consume you. There is a social support group called 'mental dental' on Facebook or contact myself on dentistrybythomas@dr.com and I will forward information for counselling services. You will have tough days but what I have found in dentistry is that everyday resets back to zero the next working day and try to focus on the things you enjoy the most. Remember there is a world outside of dentistry just waiting to be explored do not be glued to your phone!!!
All the very best THOMAS xXx
a bit of xtra advice from me...
Life Advice (some of it will make sense, it is just ramblings in no order):
1) Try to look and focus on the positives and surround yourself with people that will tell you the truth but also support your goals.
2) Life is short... savour the precious moments, when they're gone they're gone... that's what makes them special. How do you know they are special? You'll have a feeling in that moment realising it... or it will be sadly retrospective (take lots of photos and videos but not at the expense of actually truly appreciating the moment).
3) Find something you are passionate about and work hard to be the best at it and original.
4) If you have an idea... try and develop and produce it all yourself. Yes ask other people for advice but the problem is that people in the same industry as your product will just delay you and produce it themselves. Always have a contract at the beginning. DO NOT BE PERSUADED BY THEM because they are in a more dominant position and seem friendly. In business people do not have your back and will lie to you.
5) Do not be surprised by betrayal, it will happen to you. Sometimes we have to look at ourselves though and say did we contribute to our failures and most of the time the answer is yes.
6) Work hard work hard work hard talent alone will only get you so far in life even if you're a genius... you have to put the hours in.
7) If you are unhappy with a situation or life start doing something about it. Even if you don't end up completely changing your life, even the act of small changes and improve your mind frame.
8) Ask questions and be humble. Some of the smartest people I know ask a lot of questions and really take on board what others say. I seriously think there is an art to asking the right question - do not be afraid... yes it may even be stupid but who cares... you may learn something that completely changes your understanding.
9) Be proud of your work but do not become arrogant or over confident... people really dislike this. I always say that when you are in a conformist educational environment you should just keep your head down and shut up. Hopefully once you've gone through enough hoops you can start your own path.
10) The system beats that child like wonder and creativity out of you. Do not lose it! As we get older I see it drain out of people... try to have a hobby or job that ameliorates this. Creativity is not always meant in an artistic sense.
11) Family - this is a tough one, you can't choose them but they love you. Especially your parents (well your mother should anyway!). As a parent I have realised the amount one sacrifices to bring another human into the world can be huge. I think having a child has changed me to become a better human but it is not easy. I often think every parent wants a better life for their child but in doing so we protect them a lot from the harsh realities of the world. The result is that we have raised an individual that has had everything provided to them for little to no work (a sense of entitlement from nothing). Therefore when they are let go to work at a company with its harsh business mentalities they often get depressed and struggle. If we are to have a better society we need to be honest with our progeny and prepare them for the ruthlessness of others and the pressure placed upon us by 'society'. Raise the person you want them to be and prepare them for the people and the world you don't want them to ever see,
12) Try to gain some control over your destiny, I wish someone had told me to start my own business earlier or create different revenue streams so that if something like a global pandemic hits... I would be ok. You may have figured this out earlier but I came from a world where the details of money management and investment and stock portfolios wasn't even discussed or taught. Be clever invest in yourself and your own future do not leave it to others to do it for you. Make calculated risks but only risk what you can afford to lose i.e. if you lost it all would you be ok? do you have a back up solution? will you still be able to provide? This calls for some serious internal dialogue of honesty.
13) Finding love - I am not sure I believe in Kismet but I like the word! lol Honestly you are probably compatible with a lot of people on this earth believe it or not. The reality is that if you find someone you want you have to make yourself attractive to them in some form or another to get their attention. I do believe that one should not have an air of desperation around them as it is not alluring. The funny thing about dating is that for the first 3-6 months you are like an actor portraying the very best version of yourself until eventually you both become comfortable enough to relax and really let your guards down. This stage is the critical part of a relationship it is when you learn to accept the person with all their traits or leave them as they are not the person you think they are. Either way a very dangerous time. If it doesn't work it will feel like all hope is lost but the reality is that time will heal you. The amount of time is down to you... but life is short so do not waste too much of it. If it does work out make sure you are totally honest with that person about EVERYTHING you can base a long term relationship on frail supports. Cherish that person and spend as much quality time with them as possible... because I promise you one day they will be gone from your life.... and you will be devastated (if you're lucky you'll die before them lol). No one on their death bed says they wished they worked 5 minutes more, they normally wished they had 5 minutes more with the person they loved.
14) Think before you speak
15) Always under promise and over deliver
16) Do not lie but you don't have to tell everyone everything all the time. Learn the art of subtlety.
17) Sometimes saying nothing is the clever answer.
18) Try to do some form of exercise a day... really it is for your own mental well being more than anything. Try to avoid heavily processed foods. Do not eat before you sleep try to give it a few hours. Try to find a form of exercise you enjoy. Eating is great but try to think about input and output of energy. As you get older your metabolism slows and as you put on more weight it significantly reduces your mortality and ability to think clearly. Do not always eat meat with every meal (I know that it tastes great etc etc but the reality is that there's more protein non carnivorous formats). Do not force your beliefs on others just share your experiences. Avoid smoking or vaping or introducing anything heavily artificial in your body... a lot of things in their purest natural forms are ok but obviously use your brain. Your human body is a miracle that science cannot fabricate (yet!), treat it as such.
19) Religion - this is a difficult one... it should be personal to you. Do not define people by what they were raised as. In most cases the religion you are is purely geographic. If you believe that there is something out there looking over you and it gives you a positive feeling and makes you a better individual then great. On the other hand one does not need religion to make them a good person either. Our general society will probably become more secular over time and then people that are religious will probably become more concentrated in their beliefs. It does not matter as long as either individual has a positive impact on themselves and society.
20) Look after this planet... until Elon takes us to Mars it's the only one we have. Use less plastic and try to recycle as much as possible. The attitude no one else does it - is not acceptable. The change starts from one butterfly effect. Even if what you do has little real world impact imagine if thousands if not millions recycle like you. Try to travel and explore the world and appreciate other cultures - it will make you take stock and realise how lucky you are.
21) Do not be glued to your phone... it can cause depression and damage your eyes. Everything in moderation. It is true that we are forming a symbiosis with machines... as A.I. develops you will be inferior in most ways to a machine... we need to embrace the positives and try to control and remove the negatives. It is a conversation for much smarter people.
22) You will make mistakes but learn from them try to predict future ones you can avoid. There is no better motivator than the fear of failing again. But just remember that some of the most successful people in the world are those that have failed the most.
23) Friends - you will have acquaintances but very few real friends and that's how it should be. Overtime you will lose close ones, that just happens in life but you will gain new ones. I would always advise to select 2-3 that you can trust with your life and tell anything to. A good friend shows loyalty. Is there when you need them. Contacts you regularly just to see how you are doing. Wants nothing in return from you other than companionship. Shares similar sense of humour and values (remember your friends by association will reflect upon you). Try to avoid business with friends where possible as money normally ruins a good relationship. If money is involved clearly define the rules at the beginning as this is the best time.
24) Friends and the human race will disappoint you. Mans cruelty to others is sometimes unfathomable. Try to not be to disheartened and only change what you can change. Try to give back to society in some format or charity or something... even if you have nothing you have something... I promise you, your value is a lot higher than you think.
25) Do not believe the media... what they tell you is leaked information that governments want you to have. I have seen this first hand. At the same time it does not mean you should be uninformed. Read but take everything with a pinch of salt, question it, discuss it, form an open opinion.
26) When you are dead and gone what will you be remembered for... what will be your legacy. You might think... who cares i'll be dead... fair point but I hope the majority that read this will hope they made a positive impact on this spinning rock travelling at 66,627 mph.
1) Try to look and focus on the positives and surround yourself with people that will tell you the truth but also support your goals.
2) Life is short... savour the precious moments, when they're gone they're gone... that's what makes them special. How do you know they are special? You'll have a feeling in that moment realising it... or it will be sadly retrospective (take lots of photos and videos but not at the expense of actually truly appreciating the moment).
3) Find something you are passionate about and work hard to be the best at it and original.
4) If you have an idea... try and develop and produce it all yourself. Yes ask other people for advice but the problem is that people in the same industry as your product will just delay you and produce it themselves. Always have a contract at the beginning. DO NOT BE PERSUADED BY THEM because they are in a more dominant position and seem friendly. In business people do not have your back and will lie to you.
5) Do not be surprised by betrayal, it will happen to you. Sometimes we have to look at ourselves though and say did we contribute to our failures and most of the time the answer is yes.
6) Work hard work hard work hard talent alone will only get you so far in life even if you're a genius... you have to put the hours in.
7) If you are unhappy with a situation or life start doing something about it. Even if you don't end up completely changing your life, even the act of small changes and improve your mind frame.
8) Ask questions and be humble. Some of the smartest people I know ask a lot of questions and really take on board what others say. I seriously think there is an art to asking the right question - do not be afraid... yes it may even be stupid but who cares... you may learn something that completely changes your understanding.
9) Be proud of your work but do not become arrogant or over confident... people really dislike this. I always say that when you are in a conformist educational environment you should just keep your head down and shut up. Hopefully once you've gone through enough hoops you can start your own path.
10) The system beats that child like wonder and creativity out of you. Do not lose it! As we get older I see it drain out of people... try to have a hobby or job that ameliorates this. Creativity is not always meant in an artistic sense.
11) Family - this is a tough one, you can't choose them but they love you. Especially your parents (well your mother should anyway!). As a parent I have realised the amount one sacrifices to bring another human into the world can be huge. I think having a child has changed me to become a better human but it is not easy. I often think every parent wants a better life for their child but in doing so we protect them a lot from the harsh realities of the world. The result is that we have raised an individual that has had everything provided to them for little to no work (a sense of entitlement from nothing). Therefore when they are let go to work at a company with its harsh business mentalities they often get depressed and struggle. If we are to have a better society we need to be honest with our progeny and prepare them for the ruthlessness of others and the pressure placed upon us by 'society'. Raise the person you want them to be and prepare them for the people and the world you don't want them to ever see,
12) Try to gain some control over your destiny, I wish someone had told me to start my own business earlier or create different revenue streams so that if something like a global pandemic hits... I would be ok. You may have figured this out earlier but I came from a world where the details of money management and investment and stock portfolios wasn't even discussed or taught. Be clever invest in yourself and your own future do not leave it to others to do it for you. Make calculated risks but only risk what you can afford to lose i.e. if you lost it all would you be ok? do you have a back up solution? will you still be able to provide? This calls for some serious internal dialogue of honesty.
13) Finding love - I am not sure I believe in Kismet but I like the word! lol Honestly you are probably compatible with a lot of people on this earth believe it or not. The reality is that if you find someone you want you have to make yourself attractive to them in some form or another to get their attention. I do believe that one should not have an air of desperation around them as it is not alluring. The funny thing about dating is that for the first 3-6 months you are like an actor portraying the very best version of yourself until eventually you both become comfortable enough to relax and really let your guards down. This stage is the critical part of a relationship it is when you learn to accept the person with all their traits or leave them as they are not the person you think they are. Either way a very dangerous time. If it doesn't work it will feel like all hope is lost but the reality is that time will heal you. The amount of time is down to you... but life is short so do not waste too much of it. If it does work out make sure you are totally honest with that person about EVERYTHING you can base a long term relationship on frail supports. Cherish that person and spend as much quality time with them as possible... because I promise you one day they will be gone from your life.... and you will be devastated (if you're lucky you'll die before them lol). No one on their death bed says they wished they worked 5 minutes more, they normally wished they had 5 minutes more with the person they loved.
14) Think before you speak
15) Always under promise and over deliver
16) Do not lie but you don't have to tell everyone everything all the time. Learn the art of subtlety.
17) Sometimes saying nothing is the clever answer.
18) Try to do some form of exercise a day... really it is for your own mental well being more than anything. Try to avoid heavily processed foods. Do not eat before you sleep try to give it a few hours. Try to find a form of exercise you enjoy. Eating is great but try to think about input and output of energy. As you get older your metabolism slows and as you put on more weight it significantly reduces your mortality and ability to think clearly. Do not always eat meat with every meal (I know that it tastes great etc etc but the reality is that there's more protein non carnivorous formats). Do not force your beliefs on others just share your experiences. Avoid smoking or vaping or introducing anything heavily artificial in your body... a lot of things in their purest natural forms are ok but obviously use your brain. Your human body is a miracle that science cannot fabricate (yet!), treat it as such.
19) Religion - this is a difficult one... it should be personal to you. Do not define people by what they were raised as. In most cases the religion you are is purely geographic. If you believe that there is something out there looking over you and it gives you a positive feeling and makes you a better individual then great. On the other hand one does not need religion to make them a good person either. Our general society will probably become more secular over time and then people that are religious will probably become more concentrated in their beliefs. It does not matter as long as either individual has a positive impact on themselves and society.
20) Look after this planet... until Elon takes us to Mars it's the only one we have. Use less plastic and try to recycle as much as possible. The attitude no one else does it - is not acceptable. The change starts from one butterfly effect. Even if what you do has little real world impact imagine if thousands if not millions recycle like you. Try to travel and explore the world and appreciate other cultures - it will make you take stock and realise how lucky you are.
21) Do not be glued to your phone... it can cause depression and damage your eyes. Everything in moderation. It is true that we are forming a symbiosis with machines... as A.I. develops you will be inferior in most ways to a machine... we need to embrace the positives and try to control and remove the negatives. It is a conversation for much smarter people.
22) You will make mistakes but learn from them try to predict future ones you can avoid. There is no better motivator than the fear of failing again. But just remember that some of the most successful people in the world are those that have failed the most.
23) Friends - you will have acquaintances but very few real friends and that's how it should be. Overtime you will lose close ones, that just happens in life but you will gain new ones. I would always advise to select 2-3 that you can trust with your life and tell anything to. A good friend shows loyalty. Is there when you need them. Contacts you regularly just to see how you are doing. Wants nothing in return from you other than companionship. Shares similar sense of humour and values (remember your friends by association will reflect upon you). Try to avoid business with friends where possible as money normally ruins a good relationship. If money is involved clearly define the rules at the beginning as this is the best time.
24) Friends and the human race will disappoint you. Mans cruelty to others is sometimes unfathomable. Try to not be to disheartened and only change what you can change. Try to give back to society in some format or charity or something... even if you have nothing you have something... I promise you, your value is a lot higher than you think.
25) Do not believe the media... what they tell you is leaked information that governments want you to have. I have seen this first hand. At the same time it does not mean you should be uninformed. Read but take everything with a pinch of salt, question it, discuss it, form an open opinion.
26) When you are dead and gone what will you be remembered for... what will be your legacy. You might think... who cares i'll be dead... fair point but I hope the majority that read this will hope they made a positive impact on this spinning rock travelling at 66,627 mph.