Who Are We?

The Little Prince“Grown-ups love figures… When you tell them you’ve made a new friend they never ask you any questions about essential matters. They never say to you “What does his voice sound like? What games does he love best? Does he collect butterflies? ” Instead they demand “How old is he? How much does he weigh? How much money does his father make? ” Only from these figures do they think they have learned anything about him.”
― Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince

Perhaps you can surmise from the quote above that I am loathe to cross-examine or be cross-examined when I make a new acquaintance.  I don’t want people to draw conclusions such as “She does yoga so she must love green tea.” Or, “She lives in Portland so she must be a tree-hugger who never shaves her armpits!”  I much prefer getting to know a person by spending time with them.  This allows me to experience them rather than pigeonhole them based on extraneous factors.   I will share with you that reading and learning are very important to me.  I also love to travel but not as a tourist getting off and on the bus sleepwalking through ten cities in ten days.  I prefer to visit fewer places and savor the sights and locale.  I love good food and workout regularly so I can eat more delicious food.  I also love good books and good movies that engross me regardless of the topic.  I love solitude but not being alone all the time.  Even though I relish my private space, I do “play well with others”.

31 thoughts on “Who Are We?”

  3. When we retired and moved onto our boat for some east coast cruising, I noticed an unspoken rule with boaters. There were many times boaters got together as a group, but we never heard anyone ask another, “What did you do for a living?” But, of course, I have to admit that I would sometimes wonder, “What did they do for a living to be able to afford a yacht like that?”

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    1. Yes, I agree. Sometimes I am amazed that people with sufficient incomes live nice lives traveling, having lots of leisure, etc. I expect it comes from living carefully, not keeping up with the Jones, etc.

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  8. So glad to hear it and I totally agree with everything! I live in New Jersey so I understand about being pigeon holed and making assumptions (“Which exit do you live off?”). I am an avid reader as well and am always eager to learn what you are reading now. (FYI…I am about half way through the novel “Brooklyn” by Colm Toibin)

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    1. Hi, We are kindred souls in that respect. I am reading Davita’s Harp..set in the Great Depression in NYC. I am seeing the play on Sunday afternoon. Is the book you’re reading same as the movie Brooklyn? Always fun to add another book to my reading list.

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      1. I haven seen the movie yet so I’m not sure. I plan to rent it after I’m finished the book so I can let you know then. I’ve never heard of the one you are reading but it sounds like my kind of book. I’m heading over to Goodreads to check it out!

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  9. Hiya Lori > Thanks for dropping by and following my blog and very happy to meet you. I see you’re a fellow culture junkie that prefers to hit the road less travelled. Nice one on that. Look forward to your posts and have a great day/evening 🙂

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  13. Thanks for following my blog! I hope if you can find the time that you will stop by my page called “Reasons to Smile” and leave a comment. It’s a list of things people are thankful for, just to encourage each other. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

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