Mind your own business (MYOB) is a direct request to respect others privacy, to not interfere or meddle in their affairs.

MYOB was printed on the first official cent coin, designed by Ben Franklin in 1787 for the U.S. It also was a very popular country western song by Reba McEntire and Hank Williams Jr. How many times have you felt like telling others to not pry nor inflict their opinions or give you advice? In other words, just MYOB.

Exactly what is your business? As I reflect upon this, there are four types of business: my business, your business, our business and community business. Now let’s define each type:

1. Community business — This is when the affairs of many affect the highest good of all concerned, an example of this was when a group of concerned citizens, which included James Gregory Sr., came together to advocate for a traffic stop light at Crafton’s Gate. It resulted in a traffic stop light to be installed at this intersection by the Virginia Department of Transportation. This will allow many lives to be saved and help to prevent fewer accidents at that dangerous intersection.

2. Our business — When you and another person are engaged in a friendship, partnership, married or romantically involved. This is also applicable to business deals and financial institutions. What transpires become “our business” only.

3. Your business — This is what happens in your affairs, your life, both personally and professionally.

4. My business — This is what happens in my affairs, my life, both professionally and personally.

So, when someone tells you to “butt out,” “keep your nose out of my affairs” or even “to stay in your lane,” they have the right to do so. Here are some practical ways to MYOB:

1. Do not offer unsolicited advice.

2. Do not use shame, guilt or manipulation to get the other person to do what you want.

3. Remember, it is not important to comment on everything.

4. Listen! Listen with an open heart! Listen with a nonjudgmental mind.

5. Do not offer gossip about another person.

6. Do not pretend to have all the answers.

7. Do not try to fix, change or please the people involved.

8. Do not boss the other person around.

The most important thing to remember in all of this is to remember to see the face of God in all human beings, no matter what. And to show them love, respect, acceptance, kindness and compassion.

So the next time you feel compelled to direct other people’s affairs, allow the Creator to guide your thoughts, your words and all of your own affairs. We all have an internal GPS and when we attune it to divine guidance, we will be Positively Inspired to “MYOB.”

Yemaja Jubilee is a Charlotte County native and author. She can be contacted at landNluv@aol.com.