But here it is.
Edward (spunky lawyer): It's just that, uh, very few people surprise me.
Vivian (prostitute with red hair): Yeah, well, you're lucky. Most of 'em shock the hell outta me.
I love that line. I just adore it. And the thing is, I'm with Vivian. Most people shock the hell outta me, too.
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Vivian. Being Shocked. |
I consider myself to have reasonably good insight, and yet I am constantly surprised by the things people say and do. I'm incredibly trusting and am always taken aback when someone does something to hurt or disappoint me. I never see it coming. EVER. And when they are repeat offenders, I am repeatedly shocked. It takes me a long time to accept that not everyone is kind.
Even having been in social media for four and a half years, where you get to see the worst of human nature (revealed, as it is, under the cloak of anonymity), I am still frequently shocked by how mean people can be. Or how thoughtless. Or how lacking in generosity of spirit.
And yet, on the other hand, I am even more frequently thrilled beyond belief at how awesome people can be. I have been stunned by the kindness and generosity of my friends. I have been amazed at their humour. I have been astounded at their insights. And I am constantly surprised at how many fabulous people are out there.
I am also surprised by the unexpected ways in which people behave. Strangers and new friends fascinate me, because every individual has different hopes and goals and fears, and different people's minds work in very different ways. Everyone reacts differently in a crisis; everyone has different trigger points for anger; everyone has different secrets and different dreams. And the more I get to know someone, the more layers are revealed, and the more I am surprised. They so rarely react the way I expect.
Unlike Vivian, however, I quite like being surprised. I like knowing that people are unpredictable. I like knowing that life still has the potential to shock me. That anything can happen tomorrow - maybe painful, but maybe fantastic.
And to be perfectly honest, I still shock the hell outta myself. After all, I never would have thought I would start a post with a quote from Pretty Woman. I didn't even like that film!
Do people surprise you as much as they do me???