#openbutclosed

Have you ever walked around at night, and took a look at stores that were clearly closed for business... lights off, doors locked, no one walking around ... yet their open sign was still up or lit?

I had the sudden realization that I have a special connection with these stores.  Let me explain

People like people persons.  The type where they are outgoing, easy to have a conversation with, attractive, like-able.  I often times find myself wanting to be this type of person.  Society teaches us to get ahead, its all about who we know and our network - and the best way to grow that network is to be the people person.  No more evident is this than in my MBA program, where throngs of students who probably are just there because they could pay, "network" to get "ahead."  This is also so evident in my workplace, where the ones who are promoted directors and sr. directors with seemingly no reason to be where they are at... I suppose they got there because they are "people persons"

However these same people are just like these stores.  Their open signs are brightly lit up, inviting you to come and check them out.  They tempt you through the looking glass at all of their seemingly good goodies.  You shove your face up close to the window, nose smashed, staring at the products glistening under bright lights.  Or even when the lights are off, this only invites even more wonder.  You don't know what this store is selling... but you are damn interested.  And like in real life, these stores are just like the people who get promoted, or get ahead, based on the bullshit you think they have inside.  Yet when the doors open, or in other words they get promoted/hired/noticed, you find out all they are selling are little pieces of shit.  But you already walked in.  Its too late

Me?  I take pride in being the other way around.  Look at me.  There is no doubt, the doors are fucking closed.  I don't look friendly.  I don't smile.  I don't invite you in.  But if you look closely, I have a little open sign... not lit, not pretty, just plain and simple open.  And if you just take a little bit of time to come up to me, I'd welcome you with open arms.  Who knows, you might have just struck gold and found a store full of goodies that you don't have to share with anyone else... because everyone else just walks on by thinking I'm closed.