What Three Random Objects Tell You About Someone

Each of us is a walking, breathing story, a billboard that reveals personality, upbringing, desires and preferences.  We don’t have to open our mouths and share what bubbles in our brains for the articles we wear, the items at the bottom of a purse, or the stuff mashed into a backpack to convey a virtual history about us.  If I were to pick three items on or around my physical person, those random objects would disclose revealing details. Being clued in when associating with others helps establish rapport, assists in negotiations and aids your ability to influence, educate, and connect. We can benefit by paying close attention to details.

Lipstick. Claret crème, Merle Norman’s age defying lip color in a vibrant pink with a hint of red. Not matte yet not glossy, hours will pass before one need reapply. Claret crème looks wonderful with or without a base or blusher.  Lipstick not only brightens a drab demeanor, it draws attention away from flaws or deficiencies. When I was a teenager, my mother maintained: With the proper shade of lipstick and a pair of sunglasses, darling you can consider yourself dressed. Now as an adult, whenever I snap on my shades, I reach for my lipstick. Thanks Mom and kudos to Merle Norman. The bonus to Claret Crème: if I try to lick my lips (a habit I despise) a hint of vanilla flavor reminds me: Don’t! You’ll chap your lips.

What this says about me:  Looking ‘put-together’ is important, but I’m not a girly-girl; I don’t need a lot of makeup to feel confident; I’m hiding/working on eliminating an annoying habit (lip-licking- gross, right?).  Although fastidious, I’m flexible and open to possibilities.  It’s okay to start a conversation with me.

Diamond studs.  Real gems not the pair of zirconia one finds in the gauntlet one must navigate at a discount outlet before handing over a credit card. Studs coordinate with every dress, every pair of jeans, even the slinky yoga pants that are de rigeur these days (don’t get me started on this- not everyone should be out in public in this garb). Gifted by my husband for a holiday or birthday (not sure which or when- sorry, dear), I treasure these glittery spoils and wear them always. Their loss would crush me. 

What this says about me: Someone loves and cares for me (maybe I gifted them to myself, but that’s okay, too); I like nice things, prefer simple elegance over flashy.  My conservative nature means I’m accepting of differences, non-judgmental, capable of a reasonable dialogue even if it’s politics and religion.

MacBook Pro. Laptop, alias able sidekick. Where would I be and when am I ever without this electronic marvel either at my side, hidden in my purple backpack, or plugged into a nearby outlet? The sleek gray profile, the capacity to hold pounds and pounds of my writing, the ability to access information, to maintain connection, correct, coax and cajole my life into order or to render it into chaos, are just a few reasons I’m enraptured with this bloodless thing.  

What this says about me: A phone or tablet alone will not satisfy me; my needs are more involved. I’m a woman with a plethora of hobbies and contacts; there is more to me than meets the eye.  I’m interesting to talk to and I like to meet people who are different from me.  You might learn something from me, I from you, and we will both be bettered for it.

Lipstick, earrings and a laptop. Three objects with distinct characteristics inform the casual observer about me and my personal story: a woman who wants to look put together, has someone that cares about her, and has a purpose that drives her. Just a smattering of what a stranger might infer about me.

The folks we meet in the grocery store, at yoga, across the airplane aisle or next to us in the conference room, all display and disclose much about them if we care to notice and to connect.  To communicate better, sell more product or services, or to be an interactive human, one must be cognizant of details. Combined, details form a story and from those stories we have a better chance of figuring out our fellow man.

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