One of the good things about being me -- and honestly there are precious few, but this is one -- is the fact that I'm so easily impressed. The phrase "it's all good" was designed especially for me, I think, because other than the Pittsburgh Steelers and sauerkraut, I like just about everything.
(By the way, if the title of this post didn't ring a bell with you, check out the first minute or two of this Saturday Night Live clip, in which Alec Baldwin does his excellent Tony Bennett impression with a song that pretty well sums up my personal creed.)
It's useless to try and get my opinion on something, or to ask me to choose between two things, because I'll invariably give some response along the lines of, "I like them both!" When I arrange to meet someone for lunch and they ask me where I want to eat, I always come back with, "You pick. I'm good with anything." And it's true: I am!
Now let me say this to you unmarried young fellas (you can tell I'm getting old because I just used the word "fellas" in a non-ironic fashion): Not having an opinion is unacceptable if you ever decide to get married. Your bride-to-be will expect you to have an opinion when it comes to wedding stuff. ANY opinion. Just have one.
When Terry and I were planning our wedding almost 20 years ago, she would show me things like napkins or centerpieces or fabric swatches for God knows what, and she would ask which ones I liked best. At first I deferred to her far better judgment. But then it became apparent that that wasn't an option, so I started picking whatever she was holding in her left hand. I don't think I've ever told her this, but it seemed like the one she preferred was always in her left hand. So I would pick that one. And more often than not, it was the correct answer. Score one for Mr. Undecided!
Rarely, and I mean rarely, do I see a movie I don't enjoy. Doesn't matter what the critics or friends and family say about it, I like almost every movie I see. Are there actors involved? Can I eat popcorn while watching it? Does it require me to solve complex math problems? Yes, yes and no? Then I'm in! Cue up "Gigli" in the blu-ray player!
Music? I like it all (even country). Art? I can't create it, so naturally it all impresses me. Sure, there are some things I like better than others, but for the most part -- say it with me -- it's all good.
The positive consequence of this is that I enjoy every day of my life. Even in the middle of bland routine, I'm bound to find something new that impresses me. "Look, there's a new email program installed on my computer at work. THAT IS SO COOL! It has icons and buttons and colors and everything!" I'll be occupied for the next six hours just playing with it.
The negative consequence, of course, is that I have no discernable taste. Which isn't good for a guy who makes his living in the marketing/PR field and is expected, from time to time, to evaluate visual design elements like logos. I have no talent at graphic arts, so anything a designer comes up with is cool with me. (This, incidentally, is why I hired the infinitely talented Ms. Lillia Lipps. She decides my taste FOR me, which I like.)
Same thing goes with home decorating. Terry could propose that we put a rusty old 55-gallon drum in the middle of the living room, and I would think, "Cool, now we can have fires INDOORS!" As you might imagine, she doesn't seek out my opinion on stuff like that anymore.
I really like this post. But your other ones were great, too.
ReplyDelete10 points to you, Mr. Nichols. Well done.
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