(This post is a part of Blogchatter Half Marathon 2025, wherein 10 posts are published in 15 days. This is the first one.)
When I first saw the prompt for this blog post — habits that reflect your personality without you in the picture — I was reminded of what my teachers and elders used to drill into us as children: “Your everyday habits say a lot about who you are. So, make sure you inculcate the habits that show your best side!”
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| Source: Gemini |
You can spot these signs almost everywhere:
- A desk that’s neat as a pin (versus one with papers and books scattered all over).
- Clothes neatly folded and arranged in the wardrobe (as opposed to some of them lying on a chair, and the rest on one side of the bed).
- Shoes shining so much you can see your reflection in them (contrasted with shoes bearing muddy stains, lying scattered at the door).
Most of us were told to aim for the first set of habits — the “correct” ones. Those in brackets were to be avoided.
I think that's a bit old-fashioned. Life today is far less about what’s deemed “desirable” and more about what works for each of us, is it not?
A FEW EXAMPLES
Take, for example, the so-called “messy desk”.
Certainly, it might look chaotic and scream “disorganised!” But try asking the owner where a particular book is, and they’ll produce it quicker than you’d expect!
Clutter could well be a sign of creativity, don’t you think? It might show that the person doesn’t like fences, someone who wishes to go that extra length and explore new ideas.
Another example: a person who never cooks their own meals. It’s easy to assume they lack cooking skills. Yet what if they are actually a good cook, but simply do not have the time, and choose convenience over displaying their culinary abilities?
Yet another example: those happy selfies on social media. They give the impression someone is living their best life, always on cloud nine. But the truth could be far removed from that. All those smiles may be just for the camera; a way to escape the day-to-day blues.
THE OBVIOUS ISN'T ALWAYS THE TRUTH
Yes, our daily habits do tell the obvious story. But remember, this is a world where conventions are constantly being challenged; the obvious isn’t always the truth.
So, it’s good to remember that things are not always what they seem on the surface. Sometimes, what feels like a simple clue about someone can turn out to be entirely misleading!
Don't get me wrong; I’m not saying one should be disorganised or choose clutter over order.
Simply, don’t judge too fast!
(The 2nd post will be published on the 27th, Monday.)
I would be the one with the neat desk, and I was amazed at how a friend had a chaotic desk and stacks of papers everywhere, but he could quickly find anything he needed to find.
ReplyDeleteMy boarders' bedroom is also chaotic, often tidied, but quickly messy. That's fine in their bedroom that they pay for but the living areas and kitchen must stay tidy.
I always say I can't cook, but I can and I used to. I just don't want to cook, and I'm not going to cook.
I do agree with that if we were all the same, it would be a very boring world.
I guess it's difficult to generalise. No doubt, neat and tidy places are indeed impressive. But what is 'neat and tidy' might be a bit subjective. I have a friend who strangely finds the lack of order, a bit of chaos, perfectly okay. Though, that's not the case with me, personally.
DeleteI can say one thing for certain that the habits within brackets in the post
ReplyDeleteIs mostly a poor sight and repulsive to outsiders. Can anyone justify habits like picking nose, biting nails or exploring the ears with rolled paper?
They are socially unacceptable.
Hi KP - I fully agree with you. There are certain things that definitely need to conform to "the acceptable practices", certainly those that relate to health and hygiene.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteIt's true, not all is at is may at first appear... though if one is constantly in chaotic surroundings, the clue might prove true as to state of mind! As always, there's a balance to be struck. YAM xx
Hi Yamini - Yes, difficult to generalise. But a balance and tailoring it to the context works better.
DeleteI didn't get an email notification of your posting this time, just that commercial filled "Follow" app everyone but me uses. I will put you in my "reading list" so I needn't go thru that horrible Follow App thing that holds you captive to a million ads. I am one who is habitually neat and tidy. It's easier than looking at all the mess and scatter. Having three sons made me steady -on in cleaning up. The boys are good housekeepers on their own.
ReplyDeleteHi Katie - Sorry to know that you didn't get alerted to the new post.
DeletePersonally, though I like my place to be neat and I can tolerate clutter to a certain extent. But not beyond a point.
It's all in what you can stand, really. It's best not to judge others, though. We never know what they're going through.
ReplyDeleteVery true, Liz.
DeleteI don't judge others, what we see isn't the whole picture as we are all complex people with many layers and often many sides, people we work with see one side which is different from the side our parents will see, which is also different from the side our spouse will often see.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely true. We never are able to see the whole picture.
DeleteLooks like you wrote about the messy desk with me in your mind. My desk was always messy. But I know where each and every paper is located. Once when I was out for lunch, my secretary neatly arranged my desk. When I saw my desk after coming from lunch, I blew my top. Next day my secretary told me she thought she would lose her job.
ReplyDeleteFew people would like their place being tampered with, even if it's with a "good objective" of making it look neater. I am not surprised you were furious.
DeleteThe obvious needn't be the truth at all, no doubt. But certain things like cleanliness and hygiene are quite obvious, I think.
ReplyDeleteYes, agree with you fully, Tomi.
DeleteI would say that I would be somewhere in between, clean up once in a way. But yes, I can pullout something from that chaos because I know where i kept it in that mess.
ReplyDeleteI guess, it is all about how much one can take!
DeleteTruly said.. I wish to add one more here. Great Personalities with their own unique Ingenuities as well as Greatness often appear simple seen caring less for their appearances and presentations. A nice post!
ReplyDeleteHi Sreedhar - Thank you.
DeleteI like your approach, Pradeep. I personally feel life is too short to be obsessive about neatness and appearances, but I don't like too much clutter or chaos because it's a waste of time when trying to find things or do something. If you're constantly looking for tools or other objects amidst the muddle, it's hard to achieve anything. It's all a question of balance, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteIndeed it's all a question of balance.
Delete