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Reflecting on today, and my life in general, it is true what they say: I suffer from foot in mouth syndrome. I have the uncanny ability to irritate people incredibly powerfully. There was the whole iPhone saga a year ago where I stuck my oar in, suggesting money could be better spent. Fortunately I have since met the chap that took offense in person and we have exchanged salams, so I hope he doesn’t think I’m quite the idiot he thought (although I am). Yes, it’s a disease. It irritates my wife immensely, which I do recognise. The only trouble is, I only tend to recognise I’m doing it just after I’ve done it, which isn’t much help. I must try harder. Think and speak later, if at all. Or think and write later, if at all. What was the wonderful advice Irving once put down in a forum long ago? Four questions:

“Are these words true?”
“Are these words necessary?”
“Are these words beneficial?”
“Are these words kind?”

If the answer to any of the questions is no, leave the words unsaid. A good reminder. I shall try harder from now on, inshaAllah.