This weekend I was told that I’m not “the spontaneous type”. I was a bit confused by this and found it both laughable and insulting, but it got me thinking.
I find it laughable because I am a fan of spontaneity – I just dyed my hair bright red because I felt like it. I will gladly take off to a last minute party and all that.
I found the comment insulting because I can actually understand how I could come across that way. I am Paul the Planner at the best of times. People have their farewell parties at my place because they know they can trust me with a guestlist of party animals. I am a ridiculous organiser and despite not enjoying responsibility, I end up taking it on all the time.
The thing is I’m very reliable. It is a trait that I’m proud of in work and friendship. Unfortunately reliability is not the most desirable trait if you want to be a passionate French-speaking rose-wielding romantic in shining armour…. Okay that’s not exactly what I want to be, but you get my drift: Reliability is not sexy!
I can handle being reliable and spontaneous, but my problem arises when you add “busy” to the mix. I hardly ever go without something to do on weekends (and most weeknights). Because I’m reliable, I’ll stick to my word and pitch up at events. So how can I be spontaneous if I have plans that I stick to?
A friend gave me shit about this on Sat, saying “Ag shame, you can’t be spontaneous because you’re too popular” – that’s funny but not what I’m saying.
I’ll go out and do what I said I would – rather than sitting at home waiting for something spontaneous to happen.
Any thoughts? Can you be reliable and spontaneous?
Spontaneity vs. Busy Reliability
June 18, 2007This weekend I was told that I’m not “the spontaneous type”. I was a bit confused by this and found it both laughable and insulting, but it got me thinking.
I find it laughable because I am a fan of spontaneity – I just dyed my hair bright red because I felt like it. I will gladly take off to a last minute party and all that.
I found the comment insulting because I can actually understand how I could come across that way. I am Paul the Planner at the best of times. People have their farewell parties at my place because they know they can trust me with a guestlist of party animals. I am a ridiculous organiser and despite not enjoying responsibility, I end up taking it on all the time.
The thing is I’m very reliable. It is a trait that I’m proud of in work and friendship. Unfortunately reliability is not the most desirable trait if you want to be a passionate French-speaking rose-wielding romantic in shining armour…. Okay that’s not exactly what I want to be, but you get my drift: Reliability is not sexy!
I can handle being reliable and spontaneous, but my problem arises when you add “busy” to the mix. I hardly ever go without something to do on weekends (and most weeknights). Because I’m reliable, I’ll stick to my word and pitch up at events. So how can I be spontaneous if I have plans that I stick to?
A friend gave me shit about this on Sat, saying “Ag shame, you can’t be spontaneous because you’re too popular” – that’s funny but not what I’m saying.
I’ll go out and do what I said I would – rather than sitting at home waiting for something spontaneous to happen.
Any thoughts? Can you be reliable and spontaneous?
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