People Are Like Shoes

I actually wrote this some time ago, but it is one of my favorite on the spot writtings, so I thought I'd post it here too.

People Are Like Shoes

People are like shoes. There are many different looking shoes: some are small, some are tall, some have feathers, some have laces, some are black, some are white, some are fast, some are slow. While shoes can be unique they generally fit into a few common categories.

The same is true for people. Some people are "sneakers"; they are known as the comfortable ones. Often at ease with life they are the friends you talk to until the early hours of the morning. As the conversation moves from light-hearted to serious and meaningful you’ve found an empathetic confidant; someone you entrust with the "ins and outs" of your life. The "sneaker" is non-judgmental and known as a counselor of wise advice. They are active and often graceful in attitude. I’ve found the "sneakers" in my life to be a joy as well as a great asset.

After a stroll down memory lane with a "sneaker" think about boots; the shoes you put on to protect your feet. "Boots" are sturdy and thick skinned people, and they believe everyone should be that way. They are reliable and dependable; you can always count on a "boot". Often misconstrued as hard-hearted and aggressive "boots" have a tender inside they prefer to conceal. They are rough and unruffled when insisting for their viewpoint. When there is a "boot" around someone may get trampled; albeit unintentionally.

Next to the "boot" sits the "high heel". These people are the noticeable leader with the mission in mind. With incredible drive and great passion their dynamism can often be overwhelming. "High heels" are described by others as curt or aloof. They are the people who get things done; like it or not. "High heels" sometimes have a hard time communicating on a personal level with others.

When it comes to communication look toward a "sandal" and you will find great comedy and drama. These are the social bugs of the world. Cheerful, sweet and light-hearted "sandals" can talk to anyone: and they do. Always smiling they can be theatrical or over dramatic. "Sandals" are breezy and often engage in drivel speech. Rambling on in nonsense they can lose their train of thought easily. Although "sandals" tend to be quite sensitive they usually get over hurt quickly.

You cannot easily hurt someone who has great understanding of who they are. These are the "penny loafers". Highly intelligent and logical, they base most decisions on fact and ethics. You won’t catch them watching too many sappy loves movies. Instead they would rather enrich their mind by reading a good book by the fire whiling drinking some hot tea. They are the teachers, professors, pastors, and philosophers. In conversation they will usually lead you around and help you think of things you never thought of before. They are not always "nerds"; they are always well informed though. Watch out or they may ambush you in your arguments. Sometimes egotistical they will tell you what is right and expect you to believe them because they have brains on their side. Don’t let this intimidate you though. Remember that they have often lived more than you have and glean from their knowledge and experience.

One last category of people is the one I fondly call the "foot wears". They are the complicated ones because their personalities tend to fall into two or more of the other categories. A combination of "penny loafers", "sandals", "high heels", "boots", and or "sneakers" the "foot wears" are the most interesting to be around. They are quirky and fit many different behavior types. Good luck trying to figure them out; leave that to the psychoanalysts!

So which "shoe" is the best fit for you? Well I would say all of the above. People truly are like shoes; you have different pairs for different occasions. And so the assets you find in different kinds of people will lend themselves to different situations. If you wear the same pair of shoes with every out fit it would be rather boring. Likewise if you don’t interact with a diverse group of people you will find yourself dwelling in nominal and predictable situations throughout your life.