I'm definitely a "what you see is what you get" kind of girl. Pretense is exhausting. I don't appreciate it in advertising and I sure as hell don't appreciate it in people.
A few months ago, I finished reading an awesome book by Steven King entitled Under the Dome. It was a big read, well over a thousand pages and worth every minute I spent with it. So when I heard that a mini-series was coming our way with the telling of this epic story, I was excited. Until I watched the first two episodes. That was all it took to realize that the plot, characters and story board were a far cry from what was represented in the book. Bah! Curse you Steven King for selling out and bastardizing your book (said with fist waving in the air).
I've come to realize that bastardization isn't just for the movies. A lot of the same happens with the people we meet, do business, and enter into relationships with. Often times what we see is the product presentation of what they want you to buy.
My ex-husband was big on presentation. Real big. His motto was "it's better to look good than feel good." He was "that guy" who would have a chance meeting in an elevator with a celebrity, shoot a picture of them together, and have it framed and placed in his living room, displaying his new best friend. It was important what other people thought about him. I wish he had cared more about what I had thought about him.
Reason #932 why I love the man I'm blessed to be with is that he is what he presents himself to be. He does what he says he's going to do and if he says he cares, you can bet your bottom dollar that the sincerity is real. Honesty and integrity in people is less common than it should be.
I've had my fill of false advertising, phonies, and liars. Truth is always better, even if it's ugly. I'm tired of being sold wrinkle cream by 26-year-olds, mascara by women wearing false eyelashes, diet products by people who have private gyms and personal chefs and trainers. I'm equally sick of the print media, who clearly lost its conscience decades ago, having no problem photo shopping every woman on their pages.
When did reality become so unacceptable that we have to be protected from it? When will advertisers come to realize that the public is neither blind nor stupid?
Anyone who has tried online dating knows how easily the truth can be distorted. Pictures that are posted, noted ages, liked hobbies and reported income are often hugely embellished (AKA, downright lies).
One of my favorite product companies is Dove. They actually go out of their way to be real, and I love them for it. Instead of showing boney emaciated looking women in underwear, they go for the real deal. Makes me want to go out and buy me some soap!
Fast food chains are the worst. What you get is never what you've been promised. Which is why you will always find me at In-N-Out instead of McDonalds or Burger King should I be in the mood for a good burger.
Being self-employed necessitates a lot of networking. You learn very quickly how to size up "real" versus "phony." A lot of time and money can be wasted if you align yourself with people who are less than genuine. They should teach that in schools!
Don't get me wrong, I'm all about denial in some areas of my life. I tell myself that if a cookie is broken, it's less calories, that I don't look a day over 50, chocolate is good for my heart, and that there is no age discrimination. These UN-truths help to make my life a bit more bearable.
But when it comes to real life, real business and real relationships, I'd appreciate it if you'd cut to the chase and let me know the real deal. Because life isn't a burger or a photo shop op.
By the way, you won't find any celebrity pictures in my home, although I've done business with quite a few. What you will find are lots of pictures of our travels and friends. Real memories. Real stuff.
You'll also find two cats and a sassy dog who help us keep it real every day by reminding us what honesty is all about.
If people could be more like animals, I'd probably like them a lot more.