Some suggestions, I’ve learned,

 are best kept to oneself –

like the one I made recently

 to my grandchildren.

“Let’s come up with some goals

 for one another,” I said, 

and they eagerly got to work on mine.

“Be brief, be calm, be patient, be respectful,

keep an even tone, stay on topic,” they intoned,

to which I silently added,

“When making such suggestions

be prepared for straight talk 

and have ready a brief, but snappy, comeback.”

                                                                                                                                       JDG