Let’s Get Real #3: Corner Hugger, Socializer, or Center Stage?

Have you ever noticed how some people stand out in a crowd? They seem to ooze confidence mixed with a carefree, fun-loving personality, while others shuffle through the crowd in a mellow sort of way speaking to everyone. Then, you have those who prefer to be invisible as they sink back and observe the crowd from the dim corners of the room.

How about you? Did your mind just take you to your most comfortable place in a crowd? Have you ever switched gears and moved into a different category? People change as life happens. The corner hugger could suddenly become the Socializer, while the life-of-the-party disappears into a corner.

Your perception of people could vary. What opinion do  you form about people when you see them in these places? I listed my thoughts below. List your observations in the comment section of this blog.

The Corner Hugger – JOHN:

• Shy or the quiet type
• Prefers to watch the crowd
• Desires to be invisible

The Socializer – DAN:

• Loves People
• Treats everyone the same
• Is confident with social skills

Center Stage – STEVE:

• Wants to have fun
• Loud and boisterous
• Doesn’t care what people think

Let’s take this discussion a step further. Try reading between the lines. What is it we can’t see about John, Dan, and Steve? Could it be they are not how they appear? People tend to hide behind smiling faces. Consider this:

STEVE may be a fun, energetic guy who loves to make people laugh, so everyone waits for his arrival before the party begins. *What if Steve feels quite the opposite?  He’s had a rough day and his stress level is off the chart? The only way he knows to relieve tension is to be overzealous in an attempt to bury the real problem. Maybe his confidence has plummeted and by over-reacting, no one will notice his distress.

DAN, on the other hand, holds his head high and mingles with the crowd. Striking up a conversation with strangers or engaging in group discussions seems easy for him.  He appears well-adjusted to society and is a personable kind of guy. One would assume he has life under control. *Could Dan have an unspoken dilemma? Maybe he’s never felt accepted by his friends and wonders if he has any real value, so he talks to everyone while searching for someone to whom he can truly relate.

JOHN always slips in the door and quietly makes his way to the back of the room. He’s friendly enough, smiles and throws a hand up at those who notice him. But, unless they come to him, he is corner bound. John is a likable and intelligent guy, but because he’s quiet or seems reserved you may deem him unsociable or weird. *What if John is going through a rough time and thinks everyone will shun him if they know the truth, or worse, spread rumors. He may be sitting in the corner wishing he was as happy as everyone else.

These are just my thoughts and perceptions and aren’t set in stone. Everyone has a story. Everyone reacts differently. But the one truth here is, everyone needs a real, caring, trustworthy friend.

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there

is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24 NIV).

Regardless of whether you’re a Corner Hugger, a Socializer, or you stand Center Stage; be careful not to pre-judge others.

Purpose yourself to be a trustworthy friend instead.

Loretta