When my older daughter was little, we had some interesting conversations. One of my favorites took place when she was about four.
She said suddenly, "Momma, when I grow up I'm going to do what you did and marry the cutest boy."
That really surprised me and I had to try not to laugh. She made it sound like there were guys lined up, and all I had to do was walk along and say, "He's the cutest, I'll take him!" :oD
But as a Mom, I saw a chance for a teaching moment.
I answered, "Maybe it would be better to marry the nicest boy, or the smartest boy, don't you think?"
She took a moment and really mulled it over. Then she said, "No, I'll take the cutest boy, and if he's not smart, I'll teach him!"
Yeah, that's my girl!
The reason I'm telling you this is that we all make assumptions, and often they're wrong. My daughter assumed that I chose her Daddy because he was cutest. (He IS cute, but there was much more to why I "picked" him!)
How many times a day do we make snap judgements about people based on their looks, their car, their job, their age or their neighborhood? Making these quick decisions about people is actually a helpful kind of "shorthand" that is useful in some situations. This might cause you to make a quick decision to cross the street and avoid trouble in an unfamiliar part of town.
But most of the time, our assumptions keep us from getting to know the real person.
Instead of mentally sorting people as you meet them, take a little time with them. Relax. Smile. Have a little conversation. You might find out some surprising things and make a new friend.
Avenue advertising lies? 


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