Come in, let me introduce myself

.

No, don't turn on the light.

 

I said I'd introduce myself.

 

We all look the same in the dark, don't we?

 

People say you're pretty but what does that mean?

 

If I feel pretty today, am I?

 

Well, what if I don't feel pretty tomorrow? Am I ugly then while I'm pretty now?

 

People say you're smart, how do they know? How do they judge?

 

If I can solve the mystery of the universe, the I am brilliant! If I cannot properly write the article to proclaim my accomplishment, then, am I dumb?

 

If I write the article for the one who solved the universe, yet I cannot follow the equations as I copy the down, am I less accomplished?

 

If I smile, then I must be happy, right? So, if I frown, I must be unfriendly. No.

 

If I do not show emotion, does that make me hard? If I do, does that make me overly emotional?

 

I walk with my head high, my steps sure, I must be proud.

 

If you see me with my shoulder slumped, I must have no confidence. Oh, poor thing.

 

If my arms are crossed, I must be defensive. Maybe the wind is cold.

 

If I am quiet, speaking little, then I must be brooding, haughty. Maybe I'm just shy.

 

If I socialize, I must be fun. But if I sit home and read a book with hot chocolate, then does that make me a bore?

 

Who makes these judgments?

 

Smart. Dumb. Pretty. Ugly. Friendly. Unfriendly. Fun. Boring. Soft-hearted. No-heart.

 

Who says?

 

Listen more. See less. After all, we all look the same in the dark.

 

If I say, 'I'm smart, pretty, soft-hearted, fun, confident,' is that what you will see?

 

If I tell you, 'I'm dumb, ugly, boring, hard, unfriendly,' will you argue to the contrary?

 

Here is my introduction: I am both smart and dumb; the subject makes the difference. I am both pretty and ugly; the beholder is the variable. I am both confident and unsure; the situation determines which. I conceal my emotions and let them run free; the circumstances decide. I am vocal and shy, this depends on my present company. I am social and not; many factors make this choice.

 

Look at me in the dark. Tell me what you see.

 

I decide for myself. I am smart, pretty, fun confident, social, shy, deeply feeling, vocal, quiet. I love books and movies and music! I am sarcastic, genuine, sincere, and genuinely, sincerely sarcastic. I sing loudly and no doubt poorly.

 

Now, tell me what you see. Of me. In the dark.

 

Who are you in the dark? Here, we all look the same. Have I described you as well? Some, perhaps, you say? Decide for yourself. I have.

 

Now, turn on the light.