Dear LPG readers,

I would like to tell you a story without really telling you much of the plot at all for fear that it might give all the wrong people all the wrong ideas so, as odd as it might seem, I will miss out nearly all of the real detail and move onto the moral.

One morning not so long ago I found myself in an impossible position where one regrettable action left me feeling that my only resort was to call in an emergency tradesman. I knew this would cost me really worrying amounts of money and all because of one moment of remiss action.  

When in such a situation I find that it is a really good idea to share your anguish and, without a housemate to help, I made a telephone call to someone who I know well enough to worry with such things.  I am lucky enough to have a friend that I know would not waste time telling me of the folly of the actions that landed me in such a predicament in the first place; a person who would focus in on the ‘What is to be done now’ aspect of the thing.

My confidante gave me a bit of advice which, having heard it, I want to pass on.  I think that it has evolved over the years but this has to be the way forward whatever the situation these days.   I would call it the first bit of ‘go to’ thinking that should be adopted in all scenarios that might seem hopeless at first.

My friend told me to go to You Tube and ask the search bar how to ‘undo what ever appears to be undoable at the time’.

On the day, I followed her advice and after a look at a five-minute video and a bit of mimicry, my problem was solved.  Written instructions are also very available all over the internet but when really stressed, a quick video can calm the mind more quickly.

I wanted to put this message here again because, while I have no doubt that on a website where so many subjects are covered, this advice has been given before, I strongly believe that there is a post script worth considering.

Firstly, there is something to be said for knowing your limitations and comparing a couple of solution videos before you decide to follow one of them.  It is fact that not every word is true even when you put them into context and some are a complete waste of time, but there is usually a solution out there somewhere.  

You Tube’s film content gives solutions to many a problem and, while much of the content is there, courtesy of professionals looking to sell their wares and services, we would be nowhere without all those amateurs who have discovered those little solutions and taken the time to let the rest of the internet world in on their secrets.

So, while I still feel it vital not to share the problem that caused my anguish on that particular day, I really need to thank the You Tube contributor who put the answer to my problem out there and I would also like to urge anyone who finds themselves in what appears to be an impossible situation, to take a look there before giving up altogether.

I suspect that there is a solution for nearly every predicament you might find yourself in, but if you discover the key to a problem that is not yet covered in a video, or on some other written website, (a telephone number that saves having to pay 0870 rates to get through, the best way forwards if all your house lights go out at once, how to master a classic ballroom dance perhaps or an alternative way to rescue your keys from a drain), please spread the word online.  

We older people are fountains of knowledge even though we might find getting someone more adept than ourselves to translate our discoveries into an internet message the way to spread the word.  Once they are there, someone is likely to turn your thoughts into a short film before you know it. 

When really stressed and bewildered, I personally find watching easier than following written instructions, but they are nearly always there too if you just take a look.

There is one more thing to consider and that is that those instructions are there, both the written ones and the video versions, because someone has taken the time to post them having found the solutions to a problem.  So, on the rare occasion when you cannot find the answer anywhere, if you often by luck more than buy design, find a way out that works, don’t forget to share your solutions hints and tips with the rest of the internet world.

OT, Lewisham