This may seem like it is coming out of the blue, but...

Dear Random Self-proclaimed Teachers, Ego-Boosters, and Advertisers,

 

Please don't tell me I "deserve" something, as if just because I "am" and I am entitled to something.  What utter tripe and nonsense.  

 

Let’s look at the definition of "deserve" courtesy of Merriam-Webster: 

 

Transitive verb* to be worthy of : MERIT intransitive verb: to be worthy, fit, or suitable for some reward or requital

 

OK, merit is given as a synonym.  Let’s take a peek.

 

“merit” - noun: character or conduct deserving reward, honor, or esteem;  transitive verb: to be worthy of or entitled or liable to : EARN [earn transitive verb : 1 a) to receive as return for effort and especially for work done or services rendered // 1 b) to bring in by way of return // 2 a)  to come to be duly worthy of or entitled or suited to // 2 b) to make worthy of or obtain for

 

So my takeaway is that I have to DO something, EXHIBIT something in order to be worthy of or deserve something else.  Deserving is not an inherent personal quality; it depends on something else.  Something must qualify you as being deserving.

 

And I disagree strongly that I should buy a quality watercolor brush so I can make the art I “deserve.”  

 

Please stop using words to get people on the Entitlement Train.  Many people are born on the Train; they don’t need further encouragement to stay on board.

 

Sincerely,

Semantically Disgruntled

 

__________

* A verb needing an object:  I (subject) deserve (verb) something (object).