the wooden spoon

Always knock on wood.  Not for luck, but to make sure its strong, treated & not crumbling apart.  Anything you build - relationships, character, a house - has to be strong & treated right.  When you have friendships & loved ones, the strong will survive. If you build others up with encouraging words & are the best you can be towards them, they will stay strong. In return, you'll also benefit from having a great friend &/or relative. Same with your home. Treat it well, paint it, clean it.  Ya know, regular maintenance. It will last you a life time :)

Spoon me

Be kind to others. That's it. Nothing else.  Just be kind, it will take you far. PROMISE!! 
What's that saying?  " ...its easier to get bee's with honey".  Yeah, something like that.  A simple 'hello' to someone, or open a door while walking into a store. Help the elderly lady to her car (especially in this heat)  I'm not saying to go overboard with butt kissing, just be kind.  
*side note for our partners, other half, what have you....  Butt kissing is allowed to your better half.  As a matter of fact, it is highly encouraged & yes, go overboard!