I Am Fascinated By Human Behavior

The old saying goes... Never judge a book by it's cover. But you know, we all do. It's in our presentation...how we look, dress and carry ourselves. Of course, there are ones you know right off the bat, who and what they are by how they look.

I met this lovely older couple, so prim and proper. Nicely dressed and clean cut, mannered and just nice folks. They invited me over, I loved the idea and I went. Wow! As I drove up to their house, everything was so nicely trimmed with a pretty yard. What a beautiful place!

They met me at the door, as I entered ... I went into shock...Lordy be.. I hope it wasn't seen in my face what ran thru my head. The house inside was terrible! Dirty, trashed out, in total disarray! They acted just as I have known them. But... I was.. in awe! Speechless. wow!
I still think they are real nice and all... but nothing like I thought.
To me, your home tells a lot about you. Just saying....

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MarkPaul · 26-30, M

So, here these people invited you into their real lives when it seems you really only wanted to know them at an introduction level - and keep it that way.

The problem with first impressions is that we all have been socialized how to present our best selves whether in-person, on facebook, or even here. And, so we all show off the fantasy we want others to see and the flawlessness that we each wish we had. The thing is, at least in my life experience, every single one of us has flaws. We all are living in some form of a house of cards that is exposed when we invite others inside.

I am not advocating for living in a dirty or trashed-out house and I'm not saying my reaction would have necessarily been different than yours (in fact, I probably wouldn't have even gone in). But... it just seems superficial to express the horror of a less than flawless presentation when someone finally works up the courage to open up and let you "in" to see their flaws.

Echoing · 61-69, F

@MarkPaul hmmnn.. I like your comment. Thanks. Yes, I would not hurt them for anything in the world. Like I said.. real nice and kind folks. It surprised me..what they show the world and hide the truth. But yes, I am honored they trusted me to welcome me. That spoke volumes to me too.