An old, wise man saw a young man wandering in a forest. The young man looked so sad, and so hopeless, that he felt compelled to ask him what was wrong.
"Venerable sir, I don't know what to do. I am so unlucky in everything I do. In work, in love no one can help me," the young man sighed.
The old man looked at him and smiled.
"Once I felt like you, but age has taught me some lessons. Listen to me, and follow my advice, and your life will get brighter. Teach other people these principles, and your luck will increase tenfold," he said.
"Firstly, give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.
"Marry someone you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.
"Don't believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.
"When you say, 'I love you', mean it.
"When you say, 'I'm sorry', look the person in the eye.
"Be engaged at least six months before you get married.
"Believe in love at first sight.
"Never laugh at anyone's dreams. People who don't have dreams don't have much.
"Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the only way to live life completely.
"In disagreements, fight fairly. No name-calling.
"Don't judge people by their relatives.
"Talk slowly but think quickly.
"When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, smile and ask them why they want to know?
"Remember that both great love and great achievements involve great risk.
"Say bless you when you hear someone sneeze.
"When you lose, don't lose the lesson.
"Remember the three R's __respect for self, respect for others, responsibility for all your actions.
"Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
"When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
"Smile when picking up the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
"And last of all, be sure to spend some time alone."
The young man looked at the old man for a long time.
"Those are very sensible lessons," he said. "Please how can I reward you for speaking to me and helping me so much?"
"You can't," said the old man, smiling and getting ready to leave. "Fate has no price. That is the last lesson, and the most important. Go in peace my son and happiness will soon find you."