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Flying Eyebrows
by Linda Larsen, CSP
© Copyright 2000
My son Miles and I were discussing this woman friend of mine named Barbara. We had just seen her at lunch on Friday and he mentioned the fact that he didn't think Barbara liked him very much. When I asked why he thought that, he said, "Well, when I said hi to her yesterday, she gave me a perfunctory greeting, looked pretty bored, and turned to talk to other people at our table." He went on to say that her behaviors gave him the impression that she thought it was a waste of her time to continue to converse with him.
Always wanting to give people the benefit of the doubt, I said, "You know, Miles, I think she really is quite insecure under all that. And I don't think she has any idea how she is coming across."
Miles remarked, "Well, aren't we all insecure to some degree or another - or in one situation or another? I know I can be. But I know what I have to do to make sure I don't give the other person the impression that I think they are a waste of my time."
I was curious. I asked him, "What do you do to let people know that you are interested in them?"
"Simple," he replied. "When I see them, my eyebrows fly up, I say their name, give them a big smile and say, 'hi!'"
I thought about that for a moment. And then I got it. He's absolutely right. How many times do we feel uncomfortable and out of place when we encounter someone who shows NOTHING on their face that indicates they are pleased to see us? And not only do we feel uncomfortable, we don't particularly like that person, either. It’s not that we are thinking, "I don't like you because you don't appear to like me." We just think, "What a rude person."
So here’s your assignment: For the next full week consciously make your eyebrows fly up. Do it not only with people you run into on the street that you haven't seen in a while but (are you ready for this) with people you see every day! People at work and at home. Eyebrows UP! Smile, call them by name and say "hi!"
If you haven't done this very often in the past, you might get some interesting reactions. Don't let it deter you, though. Just do it and observe. You WILL notice some positive responses. Some people may look back at you quizzically and, after a pause say..... "What?" If they do - simply reply, "Oh nothing. Just glad to see you."
Flying Eyebrows. Who would have thought?
Word count: 453
Tag line: Linda Larsen, CSP, helps individuals think strategically, communicate effectively, and celebrate success. She is an international keynote speaker, trial consultant and author of the book, True Power, and the best selling audio program, 12 Secrets to High Self-Esteem. She can be reached at www.lindalarsen.com or 941-927-4700.
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