Vein in Vanity

I perform hard mental labour every single day. I am very meticulous in making observations, analysis, deductions and conclusions. But I don't get anything out of it ; no job satisfaction, no growth, no appreciation and no money - not even a couple of bucks. What service do I provide? I pass judgements… on people ofcourse.I reckon all of us do. Some of us are very passionate, performing the service full time, some part time and the others, the clever ones opt for a better vocation. Having realised I am getting nil benefits in my current position, I decided to focus my valuable energy on figuring out on how the situation can be improved to my advantage. Here are some judgement worthy situations and common reactions to it.  Skin-tone: On seeing someone very fair, he/she is undoubtedly a snob, is proud and boastful. A dark skin colour on the other hand evokes sympathy or contempt. This is on the outside while inside you are thinking how dark or fair you personally are and

Finding a native among all the foreign faces here gives me the same pleasure that finding Pav Bhaji on Mt. Titlis in Switzerland did. No no that would be overdoing it. That was something else! But the sentiment is close enough. Although it is one that is not mutual, apparently.  Here when you come across someone (not necessarily anyone you know) at work or in the apartment building for instance, the custom is to greet. I think its civil and follow it. By habit I tend to smile at anyone who makes eye contact and so it is no surprise that I smile when I come across a fellow countryman. But sadly most often I end up looking like a donkey baring all its teeth and don't even get a friendly nod in return.  When this happens I first look at what I am wearing - am I shabby? and then consciously touch my hair. I agree I am no head turner but do I have to be just to be acknowledged as a compatriot? If it’s not the appearance is it my religion? Political views? Or can they by any mea