No one explained them to me; there was no need. I quickly figured them out by myself shortly after I joined the Marines. Though they are not so hard and fast in civilian life, they are still pretty solid. However, if a person lives by them, they will never be disappointed.

1. If a rumor seems negative, take it seriously, as it is likely to become reality.
2. Skepticism is the shield against unfounded hopes. Treat enticing rumors with cautious doubt, for they rarely materialize into reality. Embracing such whispers often leads to inevitable disappointment and emotional distress.
3. Embrace the rumor with grace. When rumors lack clear positive or negative implications, maintain your composure and trust that the outcome will not disrupt your peace of mind.

Understanding the guidelines from the start would have spared me considerable grief. Moreover, I’d not have have experienced so much disappointment.

It just is, so often, I wish it was the other way around.