I believed my son, Michael, was slamming doors when he asked me if I had heard that. Of course I had.  Was he trying to rub it in?! But then we learned from a neighbor that an earthquake had occurred between Paramus and  River Edge. I kid you not, and since I don’t live in California, I wasn’t prepared for earthquakes.  

Now, even though I have sworn off NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS, I will now state a few, borrowed from a previous column by Ann Landers: 

How to get along with people:

1. Keep skid chains on your tongue.

2. Always say less than you think.

3. Cultivate a low persuasive voice.

4. Make promises sparingly and keep them faithfully, no matter what the cost.

5. Be cheerful; Don’t burden or depress others with your aches and pains. 

6. Keep an open mind. Discuss but don’t argue. It is a mark of a superior mind to disagree without being disagreeable.  

7. Let your virtues, if you have any, speak for themselves. 

8. Be careful of another’s feelings. Wit and humor at another’s expense may do more damage than you will ever know.  

9. Pay no attention to disparaging remarks. Remember the person who carried the message may not be the most accurate reporter.  

10. Don’t be too eager to get the credit due you.