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”.