Have you ever had people say things to you — and I’m talking nice things here — that made you see yourself as someone other than the person you think you are? It always amazes when I see myself from somebody else’s perspective since usually the image does not jive at all with the image I have of myself. I mean, it sort of makes you wonder if the private you — the one that mostly lives inside your head — and the public you — the one that goes to work and the grocery store and PTA meetings — have anything in common whatsoever. This past week I had three people say things to me/ask me questions that threw me for a loop: 1) The person who cuts and styles my hair told me, “You’re always so sweet and cheerful when you come in. It just makes me day,” when really I think of myself as crabby and grumpy, especially when I have to spend $$$ just to make my hair look presentable; 2) the person working in the dressing rooms at my favorite discount-clothing store asked me if I knew where to find a purse with a clasp closure for a Christmas present, when I really think of myself as someone who can barely find her own purse and get outside the door with two matching shoes; and 3) a person in local-theater circles and I were chatting at a local coffee shop about the struggles of writing and what to do when you hit a wall and I said that caffeine always helps and this person said that (insert name of illegal drug) helps, too, and then sort of paused as if waiting for me to suggest we go get some. So in the space of three days, I’ve been identified as sweet, stylish and a drug user — when really I’m just a grouchy un-put-together coffee fiend. Sigh.
Coffee with Cathy
Pour a cup & take a break
Coffee with Cathy 
Are we twins? Because I think the same thing about myself but others think I’m so much more than I do. And, I was just talking to my son about the very thing.
Funny! Especially the part about the illegal drug. One thing I would never put you together with. Even though I do not know you personally, I might add…. Have a fun weekend! xoxo
I totally get the first two comments…but the third one? That’s a side of you I just haven’t seen yet!
LOL, ok this post was funny. Although I don’t think I’d ever assume you’re a drug user!! It is funny when things like this happen though 🙂
A lot of very influential people have been described as “sweet stylish drug users,” so don’t be so hasty to rule it out.
I’m also amazed at some comments. Somehow I usually turn out better than I thought. I suppose that’s a good thing.
Thank you all, as always, for putting in your .02 — glad to know other people get comments they’re not sure how to take!
With friends like your husband you can get in trouble.
You are always sweet and cheerful. Especialy compared to me. I don’t think I’ve received many compliments on my sunny disposition!
What drugs???? I want to know!!!
Mary — My husband is not serious – he just has a very strange and satiric type of humor! So don’t worry — I promise he only has the best of intentions.
I know, I wasn’t serious either with the comment.
I haven’t figured out how to archive yet. Maybe if I had picked up my Annie apples from Sherry C, I might not be so fuzzy headed. Did you see the For Better or Worse cartoon in today’s paper? Maybe it’s kids.
Mary — Hope your Annie apples were yummy!
Or is it Apple Annie apples? I don’t know, but they are wonderful as usual.