Right, I'm probably going to upset the applecart myself with this one, but here goes! --

I'm new around here, and I've been spending a bit of time reading through various threads, getting a feel for the community and the people in it.

One thing I've noticed is that there seem to be a few individuals who enjoy stirring things up, arguing with other members and generally acting as though their opinion is the only one that matters.

Now, I'm from a different generation. I grew up in a time when respect, manners, discipline and knowing where you stood were a big part of everyday life. You didn't always agree with your elders, but you understood that they'd probably experienced a few things you hadn't.

And before anyone starts, no, I'm not suggesting my generation was perfect. Far from it! We made plenty of mistakes, and some things have definitely changed for the better.

But I do think something has been lost along the way.

These days, especially online, there seems to be a growing attitude among some people that having an opinion automatically makes them right. That reading a few hundred articles, watching a handful of videos or doing a bit of Googling somehow makes them an expert on everything.

And heaven forbid someone with a bit of real-life experience comes along and offers a different perspective!

So, for what it's worth, here's my three non-negotiable rules for life, particularly for the younger generation. And trust me, they're offered as genuine advice, not as an attack.

1. Respect your elders.

You don't have to agree with everything an older person says. Respect doesn't mean blind obedience, and it should always work both ways.

But remember, some of us have already walked roads you're only just discovering. We've made mistakes, suffered consequences, experienced losses and learned lessons that no internet article can ever fully teach you.

Don't be so quick to dismiss that experience.

2. Don't be an argumentative keyboard warrior.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with a healthy debate. In fact, I enjoy one!

But if your idea of a discussion is throwing insults, deliberately winding people up, belittling others or acting like an arrogant c#%t behind a keyboard, then congratulations, you've just shown everyone far more about your character than you have about your intelligence.

Being the loudest person in the room doesn't make you the smartest. And having the last word doesn't mean you've won the argument.

Sometimes knowing when to shut up and listen is the smartest thing you'll ever do.

3. Age brings experience. Experience brings knowledge. And knowledge is only useful if you're willing to learn.

Now, I'm not saying every older person is wiser than every younger person. That would be ridiculous.

But there's a huge difference between reading about life and actually living it.

You can read every article, watch every video and listen to every podcast under the sun, but that doesn't automatically make you an authority on a subject.

Life has a funny way of teaching lessons that no search engine ever could.

And here's probably the most important piece of advice I can offer anyone, regardless of their age:

LEARN FROM OTHER PEOPLE'S MISTAKES, RATHER THAN INSISTING ON MAKING EVERY SINGLE ONE YOURSELF!

That's not weakness. That's intelligence.

I've been through my fair share of life's ups and downs, including a serious accident that left me having to learn how to walk again. I've made mistakes, had setbacks and experienced things I wouldn't wish on anyone.

But rather than let those experiences define me negatively, I've turned a lot of them into something positive through songwriting and music.

Which brings me to one last little thing...

If you've got a few minutes, search for R J Deamer on your favourite music streaming platform. --

It's music inspired by real-life experiences, emotions, struggles, relationships and everything else life throws at us.

Also is multi-genre, so there's a bit of something for everyone, including some cracking workout tracks if you fancy getting your muscles pumping in the gym! ----

More importantly, have a listen to the lyrics and the stories behind the songs. You never know, you might find something that resonates with your own life or helps you see something from a different perspective.

And that's really what this whole post is about.

None of us knows everything. None of us is right all the time. And none of us is too old or too young to learn something from somebody else.

So let's show each other a bit of respect, have a laugh, share our knowledge and remember why we're all here in the first place.

Anyway, that's my two cents' worth. Feel free to agree, disagree or tell me I'm talking complete bollocks! --

Just remember, there's a difference between having a discussion and deliberately being a c#%t.

Cheers everyone!