Tigers and Horses

There is an interesting place to visit in Bangkok called a Tiger Temple. This particular tourist attraction is basically a place to eat with one twist: live tigers are stationed throughout the facility that are close enough for patrons to literally touch, take for a walk, and have their picture taken with. It is not all that different from cat cafes that one can find throughout Asia except the creatures are much bigger and dangerous. As you might expect, if one is going to sit within a few yards of a tiger, then certain rules must be followed. After all, these creatures are known to have a mind of their own from time to time.

One particular rule is that tigers apparently only like being approached from their left side. For some unknown reason, they seem to view being approached on their right side as more threatening . While that might be difficult for most of us to understand, I know no one foolish enough to ignore any tiger's rules. (Speaking for myself, if I ever found myself situated within arm's length of a tiger and that beast wanted me to play the bagpipes, then you can bet I would not only be playing as best I could, but I would even be happy to wear kilts while doing it.) Rules, after all, are rules and one in this case does not want to upset the rule maker and enforcer.

Horses, of course, prefer the left side as well. While these creatures are not as threatening as tigers, they do demand respect and can do damage if provoked. So, when it comes to tigers and horses, the left side it is! No problem. With any act of communication there are rules, too, that if ignored can result in harm being done. If one is honest and respectful, then the odds are good people will not feel betrayed or be deceived. Trust will be another key result. Unfortunately, when people are involved, it seems these communication rules are not so often closely followed. That's too bad. Being purposefully deceptive can have tragic consequences, too.