How often do you hear a person say, “Just kidding,” when you really know they were not? It is usually when a person is insulting another person’s appearance, vehicle, home, job, etc. This phrase is also used by men to women that they are dating. They are hoping to succeed in a very personal way and when the woman says, ‘No thank you.” their reply is usually, “I was just kidding.” Make no mistake about it they were not. They tend to be quite serious just to see how far they can go. Of course, in today’s society by the third date women are expected to give into whatever the man is desiring. Years ago that was out of the question and the tide is turning to return that type of standard primarily for the women. Fooling around and using that phrase can often hurt another person’s feelings. When people make various statements they are doing it to be hurtful or insulting. I know that that phrase is supposed to smooth everything over, but it doesn’t. Children say this frequently but the majority of time they mean it. However, if they are caught at something, the phrase ‘just kidding’ may help them out of a jam. Saying, “Oh I didn’t really mean it,” doesn’t work either. It’s quite simple. You would not have said it if you didn’t mean it. In the Good Gus series, the truth and nothing but the truth was in all stories. Children need positive examples as life is not easy. The Good Gus Series is available online at Kindle, Nook and Waterstones. Hard copies, personally autographed, are available through our website www.goodgusbooks.com along with past blogs for your reading enjoyment. Misplaced Trust” is a book you need to read to better understand the importance of protecting your assets for your heirs. It is available by emailing me at maecharles2008@gmail.com. Upon receipt of payment of $3.97 you will immediately receive directions to download your copy. Hard copies are available by emailing me at the address above. It is also available on Kindle.