By nature, I am a critical person. I like things neat and tidy, and I can always come up with a better or easier way of doing something. I often think I could stand up and tell someone how to do things to save them some time or heartache.

My question is: Who do I think I am? I mean, how have people gotten along without me all these years?

There’s also another admission I need to make: I have gotten up and told people how to do things.

They tried my system and it didn’t work. They were doing it their way and their way was working. My way wasn’t better. Lesson learned.

As I’ve told you before, most of the people who bug me embody the same hang-ups I do. Most traits that get on my nerves are the same traits I have. I oughta be ashamed, really.

Every year, I help out with a few events around the area.  They are always fun. I have my job to do and I have figured out how to do it. Point blank, I usually don’t need anyone telling me what to do or how to do it.  Been there, done that. My system works.

Now, in a situation where you are helping out and you have a certain job to do, you need a head honcho at arm’s reach. I am always thankful the organizers of events are not far away and I’m always glad when one of them sits or stands next to me. If I have a question, he or she answers it.

In most cases where big events are concerned, there are plenty of people running around doing various jobs. As long as everyone does their part, we get along fine.

However, there’s always someone who thinks the event would run along better if he or she was in charge telling everyone what to do. These folks like to stand over people and tell them every little thing. Do this now. Now do this. Tell them this. Time to do this. On and on it goes.

Yes, I’m not one to take criticism lightly. You might say I am sensitive. I admit to all of that.

But sometimes, I have to ask myself: What are these people trying to accomplish? These people are standing there ready to tell you what to do, ready to direct you, ready to tell you how you could have done it better. These people are ready to point out where you messed up and what you did wrong.

Maybe later they will say good job, thank you or whatever.

Now if you point out these things to those who are bossy, critical and know-it-alls, they will say it’s your problem. You are too sensitive or you can’t take criticism.

Point blank:  I’m pushing 50.  I’ve been around. I’m not as sharp as the next guy at some things, but I don’t need someone standing over, bossing my every move. Save it for someone who asks for it. And while I’m at it, there is no need to tell me I messed up. I usually know it and usually, there is not a thing I can do about it. If I need to know something, I will ask you for it.

As always, I’m talking mostly to myself here. I find myself acting like the very folks who bug me. I don’t need to tell others what to do unless my advice is requested. I don’t need to stand over somebody unless they ask for my help. I don’t need to look at everything with a critical eye and I certainly don’t need to let the only thing coming out of my mouth be something critical.

What’s my point? Who do I think I am?