I would like to know what the value is of having a “good sense of humour.” When someone craves a “good sense of humour” what is it they really want? The person with a GSOH (and this abbreviation, as awful as it is, is very appropriate for this personality trait) is someone that refuses to challenge that which is put in front of them. Someone who will join in the fun, have a good chuckle (even at some naughty stuff). Someone who will make fun of a friend (in the most jovial fun-loving way), and is prepared to be made fun of. Someone who will laugh along appropriately with the crowd they are with, even if it is accompanied by feelings of guilt inside . A gutless person whose main concern is being liked and being safe. The individual with a GSOH will go to heaven (but can go to hell).
Why on earth is the description of a “GSOH” a compliment? Why would a person seek this in a companion? Is it the fear that if a GSOH is not specified they might get someone who has a bad sense of humour? Worse, none at all? Why does that personality trait take preference over many other ones?
The person with a good sense of humour is, quite frankly, a bore who has nothing to offer but meaningless, untrustworthy laughs.
10.5.08
The Same Difference
Without believing to be different from anyone else (though secretly desiring this more than anything), it can be difficult when one sees that another human being can lead a happier or less complicated life than oneself because they do not follow strict rules of what they do not want to be (this is not even a question for them). The restrictions given to oneself can often lead to the question, “Why can’t I be like the others?”
Today I bought a dress. The warm weather had arrived in the city, and in a moment of heat-induced madness a dress was bought. Not one to normally wear dresses (particularly those with a feminine quality), the decision came because I wanted to cool down like other ladies do. I considered that men do not wear dresses, and therefore my situation is no worse than theirs. I came to the conclusion that it is worse as I cannot wear t-shirts and baggy trousers (who really can?).
The dress is simple, but not to my taste. I desperately want to wear this linen-lycra mix dress like the other ladies do but I am certain that tomorrow I will take it back to the cheap shop it came from. I do not know what the bigger problem is: wanting to be the same or wanting to be different. I do know that I will not be wearing that linen-lycra mix dress.
I bought a dress in a similar situation last year. I wore it once then realised it was not right. I should have accepted my lot then.
Returning to the question, “why can’t I be like the others?” Don’t you already know that you are? What a shame, as one really does not want to be like the others, and is, in truth, under the false impression that one is different (but, of course, to admit this would be to open up oneself to great criticism).
Today I bought a dress. The warm weather had arrived in the city, and in a moment of heat-induced madness a dress was bought. Not one to normally wear dresses (particularly those with a feminine quality), the decision came because I wanted to cool down like other ladies do. I considered that men do not wear dresses, and therefore my situation is no worse than theirs. I came to the conclusion that it is worse as I cannot wear t-shirts and baggy trousers (who really can?).
The dress is simple, but not to my taste. I desperately want to wear this linen-lycra mix dress like the other ladies do but I am certain that tomorrow I will take it back to the cheap shop it came from. I do not know what the bigger problem is: wanting to be the same or wanting to be different. I do know that I will not be wearing that linen-lycra mix dress.
I bought a dress in a similar situation last year. I wore it once then realised it was not right. I should have accepted my lot then.
Returning to the question, “why can’t I be like the others?” Don’t you already know that you are? What a shame, as one really does not want to be like the others, and is, in truth, under the false impression that one is different (but, of course, to admit this would be to open up oneself to great criticism).
6.5.08
Beautiful Umbrella
It is problematic to want to turn back time. To return to a time. No, to bring to the present that from the past, be it a feeling, an atmosphere or an event.
Nonetheless we cannot help thinking of things from our age that we dislike and comparing that to the time before, longing to remove that specific thing from its past context and bring it to the present, replacing the present equivalent with the perfect form from a lost age. An example of this is the umbrella, or rather, the whole politics of the umbrella in today’s society. In short, the problem of the disposability of umbrellas in our present age.
People are happy to walk around with the ugliest of umbrellas, and the cheapest. It is of no concern if the umbrella is lost or stolen – another one can easily be bought. This goes on and on. People lose their umbrellas because they do not care about them. Ugly, cheap, disposable.
There was a time when umbrellas were well made and very beautiful. They even had strength. With such an umbrella, gone would be the burdensome days of carrying a rain-protector. In fact, it would be a pleasure to carry one – we would no longer have to judge the weather: “should I take an umbrella with me?” “What if it rains later?” We would want it to rain, and would take our umbrellas out with us always in the hope of prompting fate.
The argument for practical value (as opposed to aesthetic) is fine, but even in this scenario we see the same problem: practical and functional should not mean disposable.
Of course, this can be said about many things: kettles, plates, clothes and cars. But there is something about the elegance and the function of the umbrella that makes the lack of concern (and respect) for it particularly offensive. It is difficult to find objections to bringing forth to the present the (now lost) relationship one used to have with their umbrella.
Nonetheless we cannot help thinking of things from our age that we dislike and comparing that to the time before, longing to remove that specific thing from its past context and bring it to the present, replacing the present equivalent with the perfect form from a lost age. An example of this is the umbrella, or rather, the whole politics of the umbrella in today’s society. In short, the problem of the disposability of umbrellas in our present age.
People are happy to walk around with the ugliest of umbrellas, and the cheapest. It is of no concern if the umbrella is lost or stolen – another one can easily be bought. This goes on and on. People lose their umbrellas because they do not care about them. Ugly, cheap, disposable.
There was a time when umbrellas were well made and very beautiful. They even had strength. With such an umbrella, gone would be the burdensome days of carrying a rain-protector. In fact, it would be a pleasure to carry one – we would no longer have to judge the weather: “should I take an umbrella with me?” “What if it rains later?” We would want it to rain, and would take our umbrellas out with us always in the hope of prompting fate.
The argument for practical value (as opposed to aesthetic) is fine, but even in this scenario we see the same problem: practical and functional should not mean disposable.
Of course, this can be said about many things: kettles, plates, clothes and cars. But there is something about the elegance and the function of the umbrella that makes the lack of concern (and respect) for it particularly offensive. It is difficult to find objections to bringing forth to the present the (now lost) relationship one used to have with their umbrella.
The Pleasure of a Haircut
What a wonderful feeling to get great haircut. “I want this haircut to last forever.” “This really will look great with all of my clothes – even the scruffy ones.” “I’m going to be the envy of all with this look.” “This haircut really makes the features on my face look more attractive.” “My reflection in that shop window looks so good.”
A great haircut revives a person. It makes one want to go out and grab life – it must be done to show off the hair.
I am unsure how the hairdresser who performs the great cut feels about this. Do they realise that they have made such a difference to someone’s life (even if it is just until the hair grows a bit)? Whatever they feel is of no real concern, after all, it is my hair, therefore my triumph, and I want everyone to know about it.
A great haircut revives a person. It makes one want to go out and grab life – it must be done to show off the hair.
I am unsure how the hairdresser who performs the great cut feels about this. Do they realise that they have made such a difference to someone’s life (even if it is just until the hair grows a bit)? Whatever they feel is of no real concern, after all, it is my hair, therefore my triumph, and I want everyone to know about it.
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