Life is very short, and there is no time for fussing and fighting, my friends

Think of what you’re saying
You can get it wrong
And still you think that it’s all right
Think of what I’m saying
We can work it out
And get it straight or say good night
We can work it out
We can work it out
Life is very short
And there’s no time for fussing and fighting, my friends
I have always thought that it’s a crime
So I will ask you once again

The Beatles, “We Can Work It Out”

I don’t know if there’s something in the air, but I’ve witnessed an inordinate number of silly squabbles lately. With so many uncertainties in the news and so many economic struggles, people seem to be on edge more than ever. Then again, maybe I’m just paying closer attention.

Some of these fights have played out in the media…everything from Brett Favre’s very public feud with the Green Bay Packers organization to, ironically, Paul McCartney’s extremely bitter and costly divorce trial.

So, I’ll take this opportunity to ask everyone to take the Beatles’ advice. In the cases of Favre and McCartney — sure there is a lot of money at stake, but I don’t think they realize what cost comes with that money. Favre is a beloved legend in Green Bay, but he’s developing a reputation as an indecisive prima donna who puts his own interest before the team’s. McCartney has gone straight from “All You Need Is Love” to being portrayed in the media as an abusive spouse. I may be wrong about this, but whoever wins these fights might end up losing more than he bargained for.

On a more personal level, right now I definitely have experienced some hurt feelings lately and find myself dealing with several unresolved conflicts. Of course I’m not blameless in any of these situations, but it’s tempting to overlook that and simply focus on what’s bothering me.

But in the grand scheme of things not one of these wounds merits risking a friendship or a reputation. I have more trouble with this than just about anyone, so I have to listen very closely at the expense of my pride: it’s more important to be loved than to be right.