Monday, December 30, 2013

Body Language

What is it about men and their body language?

I’m sitting in a coffee shop, trying to hunker down and do some work. There are two men at the next table. One is turned sideways with his elbow propped on the back of his chair. His elbow extends to the back of the other comfy chair at my table.

There are only two comfy chairs in this establishment. Anyone really wanting a comfy chair might steer clear for fear they’ll be whacked in the back of the head.

I prefer the comfy chairs. Allows me to set my laptop on my actual lap. No worries about table height ergonomics.

I am more opposed to being whacked in the back of the head, however.

Men like to occupy as much space as possible. Stop and watch sometime. I’m not saying it’s right, wrong, or indifferent. It’s just a thing.

Women are taught to behave, act, and sit like ladies. Legs or ankles crossed. Arms close to the body. We aren’t told outright to occupy less space, that’s just the result.

I would imagine this gentleman doesn’t even realize he’s doing it. He probably would even adjust his position should anyone say “excuse me” and lay claim to what I am sure must be the last comfy chair on the planet.

Do I look OCD? J No offense to those who actually are, I just like order and organization.

And I try not to judge. Note that judging, in the evil connotation to which it has been relegated in modern society, is different from calling a spade a spade, calling truth truth, and having some discernment.

Interestingly, said space-occupying gentleman just got up and left. His companion stayed behind. What I could not see before from this angle (because of the space our guy was taking up?) is that the other gentleman is sitting with his little laptop and mouse. Looks like he’s working on something. Maybe surfing social media and just looking like he’s working, but he’s definitely focused on the screen.

Which makes one wonder … was super-space-occupying-man an interruption? Did he overstay his welcome? He sat there for a good half hour after I got here. Was it a planned meeting? I’m guessing not. Perhaps his turned-to-the-side body language was really a way of having one foot out the door, saying, “I’m not interrupting.” Was it a welcome interruption? I have no idea.

So. Deeper questions for today, as we approach the new year. As we make resolutions and/or set goals. In this season of renewal.

Are you where you want to be?

Are you just occupying space?

Are you hunkering down when you need to?

On the opposite end of the scale, though, are you allowing God to interrupt and redirect you when needed?

Our time on this earth is finite. What are you doing with yours?

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