With just one word, uttered almost imperceptibly, I can tame the wild antics of my boys - a blonde pit-boxer and a tightly wound lab - in to such pristine poses one would suppose that they always behaved their best. They impress me when there is something to be gained.
Much like all other creatures, even humans. We all seem to want to show our best when we have a target, a want, a desire. Job interviews to social situations, we boast our best manners, style, and charm. Tucking all of our dirty little secrets neatly away from inquisitive eyes.
It is only later, once the connection has been secured that we slip; cracking our facade just enough to let the qusetionable conduct, the taboo behaviors, the realness of our presence seep out in to our surroundings. We become lazier, no longer tidying up our things before we leave the office and letting dishes stack up in the sink at home. We slack off on the 'extras' we originally offered without provocation. But hint at a jeopardy or instability and like magic our best washes over us anew. Not unlike my dogs - one mention of a goody and suddenly butts are planted on the floor, ears are perked up and all hint of slobbering tapers off.
Are we really so malleable that we stop slacking off only when we need to earn the "treat"?
No comments:
Post a Comment