Multiple Faces

Of late I am constantly reminded of the various planes at which we interact with different people entering in and exiting from our lives. It’s never the same with all. The degree of intimacy differs. Sometimes, the degree of transparency differs too. With some we are open, with some we are selective, with some we are absolutely superficial and with many we may definitely be on guard or simply opaque.

In our behaviour our defence mechanism works. We can only be disarmingly candid where we feel the least vulnerable. Even with ourselves we are never quite the same. Sometimes we hide our true feelings from our own selves too.

A long time back, one of my colleagues remarked that people of my zodiac sign have a tendency to soliloquise. I confess I do. I also converse with birds and bees and canines and felines  and even inanimate objects propelled by a childlike belief that  they understand me as much as I do them. I think as long as we don’t speak the same language  ‘communication’ is easy (?) Interestingly, with humans I am selectively comfortable exchanging views and opinions. Is then language essentially a barrier ?

More recently, I realised that it’s hard to jell with people of dissimilar intellectual premise. Here I am not talking about the differences of opinion that have the possibility of peaceful coexistence. A different or alternate perspective can be enriching if we nurture a liberal outlook. But there is another level where divergence of thoughts and beliefs can get in the way of even relationships. 

Perhaps where basic principles, ethics and morality diverge bridging the gaps become impossible. The question is, in such cases, should we attempt to  reach a point of intersection? Or should we accept the irredeemable differences as they are ?

As opposed to the above, there is that indefinable something called chemistry between two very opposite personalities – Does that oddly confounding x factor transcend cerebral differences ? I have also seen many, surprisingly, opening up to total strangers who, chances are, will never meet again. Does close proximity deflect us atomically to the extent that we find solace in confiding in those who just happen to come our way for a nano split of time ?

🤔🤔🤔🤔