Vein in Vanity

I am someone who is very easily misunderstood. Maybe it’s the tone of my voice or the way I look/stare. This has led to people telling me that I am rude or angry when I have just been enthusiastic or eager. At first I was outright rebellious then as I grew older (but definitely not wiser) I started getting very conscious. I walked around like I carried the world on my shoulders. In effect I was the butterfly that flapped its wings at the wrong time to cause a hurricane at the other end of the world! It has taken me 33 revolutions around the sun to get a grip and understand that it’s not always about me. In fact it never really is. A few weeks back I went to the dry cleaners, people I have known a long time and have always been cordial. But that particular day the man was not himself and was rude. My immediate thought process was as follows: “Didn’t I greet him right? Did I say something wrong? Did I ignore him the last time we had a conversation? Is it because I am not a regu...

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 ...

To hell with what they think!! I simply admire people who base their life on this principle. But easier said than done. Yes, I belong to the unfortunate other half who are not so brave. It’s a routine that sort of grows on you. An uncontrollable need to please people as Monica (of F.R.I.E.N.D.S fame) says. I have noticed how this chivalrous segment sails through life even in troubled waters without taking life too seriously. I understand that that is the secret- Don’t take life too seriously. It’s only when everything has to be perfect and you want to get noticed and appreciated, that things get ditzy.  After all, the world is not a perfect place. Being self-conscious and crunched up all the time is another common trait. That’s when everything wrong about you come into focus and the soldier that’s confidence takes a big blow.  When so much is going on, what me and my fellow miserables don’t realize is that the people who point fingers are in no way better than you are. If...