The whole world done gone and got a Superlative complex!

Ever notice how people these days add an -est to the end of every sentence they say.  The need to be dramatic has gone haywire in our society.  It's very annoying and it also breaks many fundamental rules of our language.  Let me take you back to elementary school, somewhere between the 2nd and 4th grades. We are taught in these early grades that things are good, better, and best.  Things that are best usually have and -est on the end of them and fall under the category of superlative.  Sometimes it's and adjective like "most" to add to the word.  But on a whole we are obsessed with superlatives.

We want the Biggest of everything.

We are bombarded by advertisements and stores trying to get our attention.  It seems the best way to have effective advertisement is to have the biggest sale, lowest prices, or largest selection.  Consumers don't want to settle for a low price, they want the lowest.  We don't want a big sale, we want the biggest.  And you better give us the most selection, because more selection just won't do.  Now we've move this language into our everyday lives.  This past weekend was the best ever!  Really?  Our favorite football team just played the greatest game of all time.  Are you sure?  Government is even in on the superlative kick.  We just had the best three month GDP in that last six years.  (I have my doubts about the governments math)  And lately, we seem to add the superlative kick to our personal lives.  We make statements like, "this has been the best year of my life".  Learned from past years of experience have we?  And we all have to have a title stating we are the best at_______.

What's wrong with normal?  Why can't things just be good?  We're not all made to set world records, so quit acting like that's a requirement.  When you apply -est to everything in your life, you put yourself out of reach of the average person.  You actually isolate yourself.  And I guess that's the purpose of our superlative society.  If we are the best and isolated from others, then others can't have any input into our lives. Sometimes being normal means that you put yourself in a position for others to help you out.  Being good, and not best, means others can connect with you.  So put aside the best, most, biggest, and worst, and just be another guy that everyone can relate to.  Being superlative can lead to a very lonely life.  Try your best at everything you do, but be happy with being an average Joe.  You will be surprised how much that will endear you to others.

I hope you have a GOOD day!