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a practical man, in addition to being a wise one. He had an intuitive understanding of human nature. Like my grandfather (his father-in-law), he articulated his thoughts in a straightforward manner — there was nothing flowery or erudite about his speech. Whatever he thought, he said it plain and simple. What he thought about human behavior was this: People will do exactly what they want to do, regardless of any obstacles put in front of them, and our attempts to stop them usually fail. Locks only keep out honest folks, who aren't going to steal from you in the first place. We can exert only so much control over our own lives and we certainly can't control other people. The longer I live, the more I appreciate my father's common-sense approach to life. "Just leave it alone." Last, but certainly not least, I offer my husband's words of wisdom. One of his favorite quotations owes its genesis to an unlikely combination: Lao Tzu, the Chinese philosopher, and "Tombstone", the cowboy movie. In an east-meets-west mindset, my husband has taken the Taoist philosophy of non-resistance and joined it with the fiercely independent spirit of the American West to create a hands-off approach to life. He is forever advising me either to leave something alone when my impulse is to intercede or to stand back and let situations run their own course instead of attempting to alter them. After nearly 35 years of marriage, I have discovered that he is usually right. People don't normally thank you for interfering in their business and interference has been known to make a bad situation even worse. Four men. Four invaluable pieces of advice. And one woman lucky enough to benefit from all their wisdom. CV Mary Zahran, who also knows some wise women, can be reached at mary zahran@gmail.com. Fay e t t e v i l l e O F F i c e n O w O p e n C S C Carolina Skin Care GENERAl & CosmETIC DERmAToloGy David I. Klumpar, m.D. Duke University-Trained Dermatologist Former Captain, USAF, Medical Corps Jessica Holmes, P.A.-C. Board Certified Physician Assistant Methodist University Graduate Botox • Restylane • Laser Hair Removal • Face & Body Rejuvenation • Massage 910.423.SKIN (7546) 2315 Bloom Avenue • Fayetteville, NC (located in the Lumbee Guaranty Bank Building on Raeford Road in front of the new Walmart) TreaTINg All dermatology & skin disorders, including: Acne • Cysts • Eczema • Lesion Removal Moles • Psoriasis • Skin Cancer • Warts FEATURING tricare-apprOved prOvider Botox • Laser • Anti-Aging Procedures Restylane • Facials • Massage Visit Curbing Creations www.FayettevilleConcrete.com 910.728.8292 C a ll Sh a n i Today for a Free E te! ma sti CityViewNC.com | 15

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