Perceptions

Perceptions are funny things. I was out tonight with a group of people that I grew up with. It was a fundraiser for ALS. My sister and her husband were there, as were some girls I grew up with. When I was asked to go, I couldn't place they guy that had organized this, but thought-he lived in the same neighborhood, I'll go with the girls I used to play softball with and it will be fun. It was all of those things. His older brother came over to our table. When I saw him I recognized him. Here is what I would have told you at any point in the past: He was big and tall and had dark hair. He was angry and I think I may have been afraid of him. Why? I have no idea. Here is who I spoke to tonight. A really nice guy, who is not big, tall, dark or angry. It is curious how wrong I am and how often. My perceptions of the world and of people have kept me from taking chances and from embracing new paths. I usually make these decisions based on no information. Even with a history of this not working, I still try to make it work. I would like to think that maturity has given me some ability to give someone a chance before deciding the content of their character, but that could be my perception....