Many years ago, my older sister, as older sisters do, gave me the best piece of advice I’ve received to this day: “If you think something nice, say it or do it.”

This has gotten me in some sticky situations*, but by and large, it’s a good rule of thumb. The secret is to keep walking. Think someone’s flowers look amazing or their dress is cute? Say so! But then keep walking.

*One time I was driving home in a torrential downpour, and I saw a lady in an electronic wheelchair stuck on the sidewalk with her grocery sacks all around her. I thought she had dropped her groceries, so, mindful of my sister’s words, I pulled over. It turned out her motorized transport was out, so then I had to pick up all her groceries and push her chair up the hill for quite a ways, all in the pouring rain. When we arrived at her living place’s lobby, everyone was super sweet, so that was nice. But then I had to get back to my car. Oh I forgot to mention I was barefoot because flip flops get slippery in the rain. Anyway, an elderly couple pulled up next to me as I was trudging back from the assisted living facility to my car and asked if they could help me. I told them I was fine, and my car was just up the way, and the lady said, “Oh honey, don’t be proud. Giving helps us more than you!”

Anyway, what’s some advice — good, bad, or otherwise — that has stuck with you?