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Wednesday, July 11, 2007

People (and Other Work): As Much As Possible, But Not Too Much!

I knew a person once whom I will refer to as the Trapster. Her social strategy was to ensnare someone into a comfort zone, based on accepted norms of social interactions. Trapster took her time to establish various parameters and boundaries so that there was no mistaking the sociological topology, the so-called rules of social engagement for the acquaintance. Then, after a lengthy period of interaction within the established zone, Trapster would precipitate a confrontation by disclaiming some well established norm of the acquaintance. Fool me once ... .

It is unpleasant to be ridiculed, but especially by subterfuge, so it is difficult, for me, to understand what motivates someone to dispense this form of social "candor." For a social personality it pays to be trusting in the presumed good will of a new acquaintance. The obvious risk, of course, is that the presumption is unwarranted. Another case of social ordering ensues. As anything else in life, one must find a suitable balance between one's tolerance for risk and one's desire for potential benefit. In this example of a risk/reward situation, however, the risk is difficult to quantify.

Good life is just a bowl of Cheerios.
People are work.

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