Category — Character Traits

A wise friend once told me that if we don’t like a characteristic in another person, it’s likely because we see the same trait in ourselves.

Her words came back to me this morning after I met a young man who is trying to make his way in the film industry. At least, he says he’s trying to make his way. His appearance and demeanor sent the opposite message. He recently returned to Texas after dropping out of film school and is working part-time at a child care center in a local gym. To my knowledge, he is not plugged in with the local film and video production community (which is huge and thriving in the Dallas Metroplex), nor is he savvy about new trends in online video (as evidenced from our conversation). His mode of dress – a well cultivated hipster thrift-store look – likewise did little to convey the qualities of ambition and drive.

I found myself feeling not only let down by my brief encounter with this individual (who I had hoped might be a resource for upcoming projects), but also feeling resentful, even angry toward him. In recognizing this, I had to ask myself just why I was so hot and bothered by someone else’s shortcomings? [Read more →]