The Silver Rule: A Survival Guide for the World
We all know the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. Simple. Elegant. Universal. But here’s the problem, some people treat themselves like absolute trash.
They skip self-respect, bathe in bitterness, and then try to drag everyone else into their mess.
That’s where the Silver Rule comes in: If you treat yourself like crap, deal with yourself accordingly, but don’t disrupt the peace of others.
This rule is survival 101 in life, and especially in publishing. Because let me tell you, not everyone in this world, or in this industry, is going to treat you with respect. But you don’t have to roll in their mud to get your work done.
The Reality Check
Publishing isn’t always tea parties and polite applause. You’ll meet the encouragers , the ones who push you forward, cheer for your wins, and clap loudest at your success.
You’ll also meet the critics who are harsher than necessary, the competitors who think there’s not enough room for everyone, and the folks who just project their own chaos onto you.
The Golden Rule works with the first group. The Silver Rule saves you from the second.
The Flip: Boundaries Are Not Optional
The glow-up isn’t just physical, emotional, or creative, it’s also about boundaries. Good manners and kindness don’t mean being anyone’s doormat. And the Silver Rule reminds us:
You don’t have to absorb other people’s poison.
You don’t have to match their energy.
You don’t have to let disrespect slide into your bloodstream.
You can protect your peace without losing your humanity. That’s real power.
How to Use the Silver Rule in Life
Keep Politeness, Drop People-Pleasing
Being professional doesn’t mean saying yes to everything. Declining with grace is still a “please” and “thank you”, just with a boundary attached.Respond, Don’t React
Not every email needs a clap-back. Sometimes silence is the flex. Sometimes a simple “noted” is the win.Protect Your Energy Like It’s Currency
Because it is. The words you write, the stories you create, the publishing path you’re carving, all of it depends on your energy. Don’t waste it on drama.Golden Rule First, Silver Rule Second
Always lead with kindness. But when someone shows you they can’t handle it? That’s when the Silver Rule steps in.
Why This Matters
In the world, your reputation is your currency. People remember how you made them feel, whether in an email, a text , or a in person .
Good manners get doors opened.
Respect gets opportunities repeated.
Boundaries keep you sane enough to keep creating.
At the end of the day it’s about how you navigate the people attached to the world. And the ones who thrive long-term are the ones who know how to apply both rules.
In Other Words
The world might look like it rewards chaos. And sometimes it does, in the short term. But in the long game? Kindness + boundaries = survival.
The Golden Rule makes you human. The Silver Rule keeps you sane. Together, they make you unstoppable.
So here’s the survival guide: Be good. Be kind. But guard your peace like treasure. That’s how you win in life, and everywhere else.
What’s Been Grounding Me Lately
Tiny things that make the day feel a little softer and help me stay consistent while I rebuild. These aren’t sponsored, just real favorites that fit into my rhythm.
🌿 Liquid Iron Blood Builder : my steady go-to for energy and focus when anemia tries to steal my shine.
🌸 Rose Water & Aloe : a soft refresh for my face and braids, especially after a walk or long day.
🍵 Herbal Teas for Energy & Calm: I rotate between peppermint, ginger, chamomile, and hibiscus depending on my mood.
🕯️ Candlelight: adding a beautiful atmosphere while I create or decompress.
🍠 Air Fryer Must-Haves: quick meals that make clean eating actually doable and save me from “hangry” moments.
💧 Spring Water (in Glass Bottles): still working my way up to all glass, but hydration is non-negotiable.
🪶 These are affiliate links ; meaning if you love them too, you’re supporting my blog at no extra cost. Thank you for being part of this journey. 💕