Attraction factors

So often we try to figure out what is it about that person that we are attracted to. I have found that there are three different factors that come into play when we determine attraction: Striking, Double-take, and Charming factors.

Striking Factor

Anything that catches your eye can be considered a part of the striking factor. These are not only the physical attributes– the broad shoulders, the curve of the waist, etc.… but also the non-physical attributes– "he's so funny", "she's so confident", etc.

Double-take Factor

Something that makes you look again can be considered part of the double-take factor. People who have a high double-take factor have something about them that makes them more attractive than the first time around. You may not even have a high striking factor, but wind up having a high double-take factor.

Charming Factor

This is the factor that keeps your interest– "I can't keep my eyes off of him", "she always looks great". It does not even need to be something physical– "what is it about him that is so fascinating", "I always enjoy being around her".

I do not think that these three factors are directly related and can be viewed independently. However, when determining someone's attractiveness, you need to look at all three factors to get a full picture of their overall charisma.

Let's Get Chalked

I have found that a lot of terms that describe being inebriated are quite graphic:
"Let's get plowed"–getting so drunk that you feel like you have been plowed under the ground.
"Let's get pissed"–getting so drunk it is as if your blood has turned to urine (probably due to the large amount of beer you have consumed).
"Let's get trashed"–getting so drunk it is as if your body has been thrown in a garbage can.
"Let's get chalked"…

When I was attending Illinois State University I noticed what appeared to be an outline of a person on a wall. It struck my friend and I as particularly funny because it looked a lot like a police outline. This got us to thinking… what if this is "real"? Then it got us to wondering… what if you are so drunk that you pass out and everybody thinks your dead, will the police draw an outline around your body?

So…
Let's get chalked!!!

Loyola Beach Conservation Day

On Saturday, August 19th I will be at the Loyola Beach Dunes from 9:00 AM to Noon. I hope to learn about the beach dunes and their importance to the local environment while helping beautify the beach.

See the Chicago Park District's Volunteer Page for more information. Hope to see you there.

Giving and Forgiving

Once I signed up for a personal ad and in it I indicated that I was "both giving as well as forgiving". At the time I thought it just sounded good, but I later found that I was actually pretty profound. Just what does it mean to be giving as well as forgiving?

Giving…

To be "giving" to me means that you are willing to give of yourself. It is a way of being selfless and sharing with others. So often we find ourselves taking– taking advantage of someone… taking charge… or even taking that last slice, that we forget how to give.

Forgiving…

I believe that to be "forgiving" is not just accepting someones' apology, but to be able to let go of any anger and resentment you have towards that person in spite of what they may have done. It is also being able to ask for forgiveness as well. So often we think we can do no wrong, that we forget that we make mistakes too. And not only ask for forgiveness, but be sincere when doing so.

Interestingly, it is the combination of both of them that makes it really profound. If we can be selfless and ask for forgiveness when we find ourselves taking– or, even be able to forgive someone by giving of yourself to that person, when before you were only angry and impersonal towards them– then you have truly been "giving as well as forgiving".