Is circumspection (engaging the brain before the mouth or keypad) a dying social skill?

Yes it is - Guilty as charged! I remember sitting with old men as a child and wondering what was wrong when they paused answering question.. now I know..

Days before my marriage to my wife, relatives started coming into town. Old wounds and family feuds on both sides of the church aisle saw too much daylight and fresh air. I'd had enough and wanted to elope.

The women threw a bridal shower for my fiancé. When I came to pick her up she was in tears, blowing snot bubbles, and couldn't speak. I'd had enough. "I do not care, man, woman, or child, whoever made her cry outside cuz I am going to whip your ass". I also delivered a short tirade about everybody's piss poor conduct and dropped a few F-bombs.

My father-in-law intervened and explained. My fiance's Mom had died after a long terminal illness about 8 years prior. When she knew she was dying, she started embroidering squares for a baby blanket that she wanted Kim to get as a wedding present. she finished 53 of the 64 squares needed before she died. Kim's Grandmother saved them and all the other women of the Family contributed the final 11. They had given it to her 2 minutes before I walked through the door.

I withdrew my invitation to an ass-whipping and waited for Kim in the car. Kim's maternal Grandfather came out with two beers and we had a talk with about "circumspection". If you haven't tried it, I highly recommend it.

I too am guilty of open mouth insert foot, this happen a lot less then it use to though. Must come with age, and maturity.