While the iron is hot.

[TecmoBengals]

It's not hard to understand that anyone can think the future is good while also appreciating the current moment. Taking something for granted in the present isn't dependent on future perspectives. The phrase to take something for granted means "to value (something or someone) too lightly: to fail to properly notice or appreciate." Again, thinking the future looks good does not equate to valuing the current season too lightly or failure to properly notice or appreciate it. Thus, fredtoast's early statement in this thread that "Too many people are taking this season for granted" is a contrived take. There is no "too many people" because many people throughout this forum are talking about playoff excitement, a Raiders win, and a "Why not us?" mentality for a Super Bowl win. These discussions are evidence that people value or appreciate the moment of this current season.

Quote:You can't play both sides on this. You have to pick one.

Again, another contrived take. It is pretentious to state this in attempt to dictate the flow of the conversation when a person actually can offer the opinion the future is good while also appreciating the moment by not taking it for granted; I offer fredtoast's persistence about the definition of the word granted is pedantic and incorrect. It is very possible to have a civil conversation rooted in understanding that BFritz's take about the future does not mean the current season is being taken for granted. It is ironically rich that fredtoast frequently tells people they are wrong based on a random stat he cites, but when someone disagrees with him he resorts to empty rhetoric by insisting BFritz isn't allowed to express his feelings the way he wants. Maybe BFritz is right, the big guy just cannot admit he is wrong? And that is the connection to this initial post: Bengals fans are not taking the moment for granted but rather enjoying it with optimism. It isn't a true statement to suggest differently.

BFritz, I understand your statements and opinions. You are appreciating and enjoying the current season; the opposite of taking for granted, while also remaining optimistic about the future.