By Gary B. Martin
My reputation as a cranky New Yorker precedes me. And I know that sometimes my behavior merits an apology or at least an explanation. But then other times, I just want people to know — “Hey, I’m trying….”
Gary B. Martin is an illustrator and animator who has lived on the Upper West Side for more than three decades. His Sunday illustrations for West Side Rag chronicle life in the neighborhood, New York City, and the Universe. Watch for Gary’s illustrations on Sundays in the Rag and see them all here. For a broader range of Gary’s work, including animations and other motion graphics, please visit www.martoons.com
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Sweet reminder, Gary. We all are. Good name tag idea!
I second Anne Watkins idea. If you make printed name tags like that, I’d surely buy a dozen!
your wish is my command. Here are some. https://www.redbubble.com/i/sticker/I-m-Doing-The-Best-I-Can-by-martoons01/164086380.QK27K
That’s great! Thank you so much!
I love Gary and his pithy humor.
Gary, love means never having to say you’re sorry and you exude love!!
Good one, Gary! I am too.
What a great reminder that almost all of us are doing the best we can, and that we need give each other credit for that. Thanks, Gary!
I hear ya! ❤️
I’m not sure what this means. Apologize for being elderly?
When it comes to our everyday behavior, New Yorkers tend to be more of a “end justifies the means” group compared to people in other towns. Hence the sometimes rude exterior. We’re results-oriented!
@w72W, the stickers are for people who are not perfect and care that they might’ve hurt or offended someone. It can be taken as a beginning of an apology, or the end of one.
Thank you Gary.
If it’s for someone you really care about or in your family. Apologies need to be thoughtful without being defensive. Sometimes the apology is worse and more cringe worthy than the original offense.
Apologies schmologies!
🙂
I feel like this is a selfie. Love it!
ahhhh I feel you!!!
All any of us can do is try. Keep on keepin on!
I have increasingly been getting aggravated at people and lashing out (including in my posts on WSR). Perhaps I should show more patience, but I am also finding that more and more people are acting selfishly. I loved what Kamala Harris said about her strong concern for the well-being of those around her – I wish more New Yorkers were like that.
To offset my angst, I have become even more focused than ever on gratitude. If someone does something kind, I make sure to acknowledge it. Even if it is something tiny. I have always been like this, but now I do it even more. More people should try this.
In that spirit, thanks to WSR!
That’s all we can do!
Thank you, Gary Martin. It’s nice to be reminded that — at some time or another — we’re ALL at that point.
Yes you are a cranky man but hey everyone who has a brainwave should be. Apology accepted. I like the name tag too.