When [Lois] Weisberg looks out at the world or Roger Horchow sits next to you on an airplane, they don't see the same world that the rest of us see. They see possibility, and while most of us are busily choosing whom we would like to know, and rejecting the people who don't look right or who live out near the airport, or whom we haven't seen in sixty-five years, Lois and Roger like them all.
-Malcolm Gladwell, The Tipping Point, 53.
2 comments:
I really enjoyed reading this book - just like I also enjoyed Blink by the same author - but I was most struck by a type of person he labels 'connectors'. These are the people who make friends everywhere they go - who everyone knows - who remember birthdays - who foster acquaintances. Not necessarily extroverts - just 'people' people. I am definitely NOT this type of individual. But I wonder if its something you can cultivate? When I meet someone, I immediately begin to wonder how much this relationship is going to cost, and whether it's worth it. Needless to say, this is a TERRIBLE way to make friends. Today I practiced looking at strangers (people in the halls and in the elevator) with hope and expectation - seeing possibility. But I am naturally picky, and it's a bit hard to overcome.
yes. some days before going into school i'm like- i'm going to be a "good" friend to whoever i happen to meet. problem is no one wants to be vulnerable first. other problem is just people in CT. we're just not people people that much.... i think perhaps the more Christ sanctifies us the more we'll be able to love people better- which may not mean that remembering someone's birthday makes you a good friend (maybe i'm just saying that to cover my butt ;)) sometimes I randomly compliment people I don't know, but the I wonder how much of that is still for me- like to make me feel good for being such a "good" person. and connectors seem like the kinds of people who build up "facebook friends" .... (got 500 strong and ya. i know all their birthdays W/OUT the app that tells me when they are.;)
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