The Careful People

The careful people are always careful. They do not drive drunk. They wear a helmet. The careful people have never spilled their drink - not on a person and not on a person's furniture. The careful people do not use the armrest when sitting in the window seat, the middle seat, or the aisle seat; when it's time to de-board, they retrieve their luggage without hitting anyone, without slowing the pace. The careful people see you coming on the sidewalk, and give you lots of room. They check their blind spot before changing lanes. They value their possessions. The careful people always return your calls. The careful people do not track mud into the house. They do not smoke, but if they did, they would always dispose of the butts properly. The careful people rarely have sex, and if they do, they always use a condom. They ask permission. They say please and thank you. The careful people offer you a drink, and are careful not to mention anything about your coaster use, or non-use. The careful people don't speak until they are certain. The careful people don't make a move until it is sure. They get the insurance. They use two coats of paint. They have emergency kits - a blanket in the trunk. Their CDs are not scratched. Their shirts are not wrinkled. The careful people keep the receipts. The careful people break for yellow, as you drive through. You get there first. You get there fashionably late. You leave first. You have the benefit of the doubt. The careful people are just happy to have you.