Which Cliché Saying Should You Never Follow?

Phrase books and clichéd mottos have been a staple for generations, guiding us with a mix of wisdom, common sense, and bravado. From the classic “what goes around comes around” to the more specific “if it doesn’t get all over the place, it doesn’t belong in your face,” some sayings are better off left in the past. These clichés often create unreasonable expectations or fail to reflect the complex realities of life. Let's explore why certain sayings should never be followed as gospel.

1. What Goes Around Comes Around

“What goes around comes around” is a phrase that suggests that any action will have a corresponding consequence, typically of the same nature. Despite its popularity, it is often misleading and fails to capture the unpredictability of life.

I spent a considerable amount of time volunteering at a crisis center. Witnessing both the struggles and the triumphs of people in need, I often questioned the fairness of life. My experiences taught me that life is not always fair, and what you do does not guarantee an equivalent return. In my opinion, the idea that actions always balance out is a dangerous oversimplification. Instead, accepting that life is complex and unpredictable can help us navigate through its challenges more gracefully.

2. Be a Good Human Being

Another ubiquitous cliché is “be a good human being.” This advice is generally well-intentioned, emphasizing kindness, respect, and empathy. However, the phrase is often undermined by its lack of nuance. Being a good person is undoubtedly important, but it is not a magic formula for success or happiness. Many good people face unfortunate circumstances, and treating them as if they are immune to life’s challenges is naive. Far better advice would be to accept that life happens and focus on resilience and understanding.

3. If It Doesn’t Get All Over the Place, It Doesn’t Belong in Your Face

This slogan is often associated with Carls Jr., a fast-food chain. The original saying goes, “If it doesn’t get all over the place, it doesn’t belong in your face.” The idea is that if something is messy, it should be discarded. While this might seem logical in a literal sense, its underlying message is fraught with issues.

The first point to consider is that messy food does not necessarily belong in your face. In most settings, it is disrespectful to have food all over yourself and others. Showing manners and tidiness in public is expected. Furthermore, the phrase is degrading and dismissive, implying that people who handle food directly or are messy are somehow less deserving.

Another layer to explore is the assumption that messiness is a sign of irrationality or lack of coordination. This stereotype is unfair and can lead to judgment and miscommunication. People handle food in different ways, and labeling someone as uncoordinated or moronic because they spill food is misguided and hurtful.

Conclusion

When it comes to clichéd sayings, it is essential to question their validity and relevance. Entities like “what goes around comes around,” “be a good human being,” and “if it doesn’t get all over the place, it doesn’t belong in your face” often create unrealistic expectations and mislead us with oversimplified philosophies. Accepting the complexity of life and being realistic about its challenges is far more beneficial than blindly following old sayings. By doing so, we can better navigate through the ups and downs of life with empathy and understanding.