For centuries, Englishmen have prided themselves on having a stiff upper lip.
But what the hell does that actually mean?
Having a stiff upper lip means that you, as a man, wherever possible, keep all of your problems to yourself.
You must endeavour to overcome your challenges without burdening those you love with unnecessary stress.
For elite individuals, and traditionally English gentlemen, having a stiff upper lip will come naturally.
But it does have an unusual side effect…
Our problems are so numerable and monumental, sometimes it can be challenging to take other people seriously when they explain their own
“I’m dealing with unpaid payroll, multiple lawsuits, unexpected tax bills, errant employees and lawless servants of the state. And your biggest problem is… choosing the optimal desert for next fortnight’s dinner party?”
Resist the temptation to ridicule them
Maybe they’re making mountains out molehills.
Maybe those are just their mountains?
But either way, it’s unbecoming to belittle the people you’re supposed to protect.
Instead, adopt a more charitable attitude and remember that not everybody was born to bear the weight of the world on their shoulders.
In fact, we choose to carry that cross so that the people we love don’t have to.
So gentleman, the next time someone you care about is overly concerned with something small.
Just sit back, smile and pray that that is always the worst of their worries.