For all of the "I'm Gonna Beat You's" of the world

A small note of advice: Telling me that you're going to beat me is not a good way to start a friendship. Or keep one.

Now I must clarify, there are many times when I say "I'm going to kick your butt," "I'm going to beat you at [insert selected item]," and other such phrases when it's FRIENDLY. Likewise, there are people that tell me the same thing and I don't mind. It's a joke, and whoever wins doesn't really matter. If I beat you at checkers, I would hope that no ones feelings would get hurt. If someone scores higher than me on a test, I won't go crouch in a corner and suck my thumb.

But when it's over something of real rank and constant competition (like a chair in band, a place in show choir, a place on a varsity sports team, a job), it's not funny. "I'm going to beat you someday," is said with an undertone of menace and jealousy. And really, what am I supposed to say? "Oh, no, my dear friend. You suck and will never surpass my awesome talents"? "Yes, you will beat me someday and I am so looking forward to the opportunity to hand over my place of honor so that you can feel a little bit better about yourself"? It's annoying. It's stupid.

So don't tell people you are going to beat them. Trying to psych them out isn't nice. Beat them with your talents. Show them, and quit being an ass. What grade are we in, people. Really?

Ok that was very rant-like. Happy note time; it's the Xylopholks!