What we determine to be the realities of our life is actually how we choose to perceive it. How we perceive our own actions may be completely different than how somebody else may interpret the same exact actions. Your intentions may be good, but there can always be somebody who may take it the wrong way.

The spark to this article came about when I recently saw a man holding his significant other’s handbag. No, she wasn’t going to the restroom and he just had to hold it real quick. They were just simply walking down the street and he had the handbag over his shoulder. For all those guys out there that are like me, you’re thinking, “What?! He voluntarily was holding the handbag for her?!” And yes, he sure was.

So let’s analyze this. I, as an American born male, naturally thinks that this is odd. It’s not “manly”. It’s one of those moments where if you get caught doing it, you think to yourself “Quick…do something manly! ::rips out chest hair:: ” It’s just a part of our culture. Our reality states that the perception of this, is one that will warrant looks from strangers and will embarrass us.

Now, what’s the perception of the man that is holding his significant other’s bag? Well, in his culture (which I dug a little to find out), it’s perfectly normal. So if they were in their country of origin, they would not get looks from strangers. So that makes me wonder…

In their country, would the guys who aren’t holding their significant other’s handbags considered unchivalrous? Interesting isn’t it?

So the perception in America of a man holding a handbag is one of a negative one. That’s the reality that most of us have grown up on. Our reality states that it is not manly, so don’t do it. Now, the perception of the man who is holding his significant other’s handbag is one of chivalry. He probably thinks “I want to make it as easy for her as possible so I want to carry her handbag to take that load off for her.” That’s where I would just say, “Well then honey, just don’t bring a handbag!” Ha, I’m kidding, but not really…

But anyways, the point of this article is to have you, as the readers, open up and accept different people and/or cultures. Just because your perception creates your own reality, it doesn’t mean it’s the same for all those around you. If you able to keep this open-mindedness as you go throughout your days, you’d learn to be much more accepting in your life. Heck, you would even learn a whole bunch about human nature just by observing and accepting rather than staring and judging.

So if there can be so many perceptions of every single action you perform, whose perception should you actually be concerned about?

Clearly, your own.

It may be hard to at times, but you should always act on what, who, and how you want to perceive yourself as, not others. If you do this, life will be much simpler and you will absolutely be happier. Why? Because of the simple fact that you have rid of the giant burden of what others think of you. You’ve rid of the burden of trying to create an image that others will have of you.

Create an image of yourself where you will respect yourself for. If need be, re-create over and over until you love your perception of your own reality.

 

  1. rockong posted this