"The Lights Aren't Flickering...."

I was watching clips from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and noticed one of the scenes where Clark (Chevy Chase) gets the outside Christmas lights turned on his house and was so excited that he was hugging his wife, kids, parents, and in laws. However, his father-in-law wasn't pleased with the lights and said to Clark, "one of the lights aren't flickering!". What the....?

It brought me to think about people who only seem to point out the mistakes in your life versus celebrate on the many good things that's happened to you as an individual. I mean, just the other day, I stated something in email regarding one of my favorite movies (Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay) and someone immediately corrected me in public because I had not typed "escape" (ie one of the lights aren't flickering). Another time I was at a bar (drinking H2O of course) and catching up with some friends while some geek comes over and immediately corrects me about shapes (ie octagon and hexagon)...I can see why he repels women since his only line towards them is, "Hey baby, I know shapes!".

In summary, the key is to surround yourself with people that appreciate your gifts and talents and celebrate your victories while avoiding the people who are quick to point out your little faults.