5 Things We Exhibit.
As you grow older, you realize as much as people are different they can also be quite similar. The behaviors we like and dislike are rarely rare, as they are (to an extent) universal to others. Sometimes it’s comforting and sometimes it’s annoying, but above all, it’s incredibly interesting. For pure fun, I created a list of my personal likes and dislikes from the patterns i’ve picked up meeting the people I meet. I hope you agree.
1. Wherever you are, and wherever you go
Sometimes, despite your efforts and its accessibility, one (or many things) will pass you by. In New York (which I am sure isn’t unique to it), I find comfort in knowing that at any given moment, there are hundreds of gatherings, events, experiences, shows, and restaurants within short proximity. However, I cannot see everything, nor can I be everywhere. When I see the movie I miss the most beautiful sunset, and when I see the sunset I know I missed a great movie. I guess it’s less about sacrifice, but more about where I am. I say this because I recently found out I’ll be moving back to San Francisco for work next spring. It wasn’t quite the plan, but I can’t say I’m upset. What I miss here, I trust I’ll find in a different form there.
2. Silhouette
To me, proper presentation is typically less about the brand or the style, as much as it is about their silhouette. It really makes me smile when someone knows their physical appearance so well, and they strategically tailor the cuts, shapes, and colors to them. Sage green, mauve, and grey completely wash me out, and my ankles (at least to me) are just off enough that bulky shoes always look a little strange. Black sunglasses completely mesh with my dark hair and eyebrows, so I have to get a lighter shade always. And, while I love loose-fitting clothes, a boxy fit never does me any good. That’s just a few of the things I have gradually begun to stray from, but I am sure with age and time that will only change. It’s never really been about the garment itself, but rather how it fits you.
3. I don’t know…that’s all.
In between yes and no, I like to think that there lies the most critical answer of “I actually don’t know.” I admire those who use it and largely criticize those who are unwilling to admit it. If you look at the world, you’ll see that it is comprised of people who have focused their time and energy on a particular aspect of life. Designers don’t make the fabric, actors don’t make the script, doctors don’t make the medicine, and lawyers don’t make the law. Yet, we define intelligence as answering questions we’ve never heard before in hopes that the other person doesn’t see the gap we are too proud to fill. However, “I don’t know” shows peace with what you’ve learned, and maturity in understanding where you could probably explore something new. With the same utmost certainty that I say I know a lot, I acknowledge that there is a lot I don’t. The same goes for you.
4. The way it has been done.
Just because something isn’t broken doesn’t mean it can’t be done better.
5. What do you do?
I am really fortunate that I love my job and will happily talk about it with anyone who asks, but is it a hot take to say that regardless of where I had ended up I’d always want my job to be the least interesting thing about me? Sometimes I meet people, and I feel like they put it at the focal point of their identity or personality, that it becomes almost uninteresting to talk to them. It has nothing to do with internal passion or excitement or their dedication, and everything to do with an opportunity to use it to provide their value. I will always applaud people for the experiences they devote themselves to. We’ve all worked hard to stand behind something, and that alone deserves recognition. But I think some of us have started to lose sight of what makes it really impressive. A title or a company can only say so much and when that’s all there is you have to say, it becomes rather off-putting. I will always say congratulations (and mean it), but I won’t solely respect you because of where or what you do. A career is more than that.
- With Love, Fiza Usman
