Because trying to figure out what a person is doing and why he is doing it, when that is the person’s own business, is rude. While speculating on what people think about me and my own business is simply looking out for my own best interests. I am actually pretty concerned about creating scandal even when I am doing something perfectly innocent. I have a reputation to cultivate and I would rather not tarnish that reputation unnecessarily. If I could receive in another way that wouldn’t raise eyebrows then I would do it.
I recently had lunch with my niece, who turned 18 and graduated from high school. I told her she could visit me any time she found herself passing by my town. Then my skin got crawly as I imagined neighbors who would see a teenage girl visiting me alone. But once again, that’s my business, and I am doing nothing wrong.
Is it uncharitable to look in a mirror? How dare I speculate on my own appearance!
