“He’s a real stickler for the rules.”

This was usually said about someone who rigidly sees the world in black and white, relying on The Rules to keep order. Someone with no sense of nuance or appreciation for complexity.

Someone who needs to take a breath or three to freaking calm down

I can’t think of a single time I’ve heard “stickler” used in a positive light. “She’s a real stickler for taking care of the needy” just doesn’t seem to be in common usage. Imagine that.

Sticklers make me think of folks who make it their full time business to report people to the HOA. Not the real stuff — I mean things like the grass is 3/4 of an inch too long, the mailbox is the wrong shade of gray, or there’s an inflatable Frosty hidden in the backyard.

Stickler stuff.

Linda hosts Stream of Consciousness Saturday. This week’s prompt is “stickler.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!