How Hardy are your "Mums?"

How hardy are your "mums?"   No silly, not the ones that make up the beautiful, fall décor on your front porch but the ones you've been asked not to tell.... You know, "mums the word!"  It's often a pretty tough assignment to keep a secret...especially if it's extra juicy and you're a small town resident. It takes willpower and determination!  If you can't do it, don't put yourself anywhere within range of even hearing it and if it's your secret, KISS (keep it shut stupid.)  Here are a few steps to help you keep that secret.  There were actually 15 steps but I've kept some...................................well........secret!

1. Keep your motivator in mind:   If you promised someone you'd keep their secret or you might ruin a surprise or maybe it might embarrass someone...remember that you were entrusted with the secret and people look up to those who are tight-lipped!
2. Ask how long you must keep the secret:  If it's a party or a present or something short range, most of us can handle it.  If it's something you must take to the grave....hopefully that's a very long time and maybe not something you can handle.
3. Force yourself NOT to tell:  Pretty simple...keep it to yourself!
4. Never drop "I have a secret" hints:  "Na, na, na, na, na.. I know something you don't know." We're how old?
5. Remain defensive:  If someone thinks you know, calmly refuse to tell, stand your ground and you'll earn immense respect!
6. Lie:  Wow.... this one surprised me as it's on the top of my all time list of things I dislike the most...LIARS!  Lies complicate things and cause trouble ...period!  Sometimes you can actually tell the truth and pretend you're kidding...Way better than a lie.
7. Tell an inanimate object: (your pillow, a stuffed animal Ok, maybe even your real pet).  It's off your chest and and it's not exactly telling!
8. Ask the person if there is someone you CAN tell:.... If it's your secret, tell your best friend....who hopefully has very hardy "mums!"