The girl character is based on two my friends, whose names I will not mention.
NO, I am NOT interested in either one of them. Don't get ideas you burning people!
Anyways, the real-life conversation originated while I was talking about body weight with one of them.
The conversation in the comic is obviously changed for dramatic effect.
As always, click on the picture for a larger view.
Which brings me to my newest article: "Stereotypes"
This comic reminds me of how stereotypes permeate our lives and our thinking. Sure, you may not call them stereotypes, but regardless, you cannot deny that we all have self-developed perceptions about those around us.
For example, I appear as a totally typical skinny Asian nerd-geek. There's no way I can possibly have a six-pack right? After all, I look pretty light and thin. This was probably and probably still is your perception of me. Don't worry, I don't care, and I'm not here to condemn anyone.
All of us, give off an image that others see, whether it be the cool dude, or the cute girl, or the outspoken one, or the athletically obsessed. This image we give off is determined by our appearance, but also by the way we carry ourselves and the actions we take. But how does all of that pertain to courting and romantic attraction?
There is generally 4 things that can happen:
1) A person of the opposite sex is initially attracted to the image that you produce. Both of you get to know each other better and that person finds that like your personality as well. Both of you start to develop feelings and dating relationship becomes a reality.
2) A person of the opposite sex is not initially attracted to the image that you produce, but that doesn't mean you can't be friends. However, that person will get to know you better and they will begin to subconsciously change their perceived image of you. The possibility then becomes open that they will grow to perceive you as romantically attractive and it does happen.
3) A person of the opposite sex is initially attracted to the image that you produce. They are subconsciously interested at the mystery and they want to get to know you better. However, as both get to know each other better, one of them decides that a romantic relationship is not possible or not probable. EVERYONE experiences these fleeting attractions. I don't care who you are. It's OK. It's not like it's a bad thing. I personally see courtship as constant process of experiencing fleeting attractions until one day, God willing, you find the person that reciprocates the romantic feelings you have for them and the relationship develops.
4) A person of the opposite sex is not initially attracted to the image that you produce. Even as they get to know you better, it never crosses their mind that you are a potential significant other. And even if it does cross their mind, they quickly dismiss the possibility. They simply see you as a friend.
So my lesson is this, don't be discouraged that you may experience situation 3 or 4. Carry on with your life. And don't just focus your attentions on developing your physical image. Develop your relationship with God. I tell you, if your life permeates of the desire to pursue and worship God, your image will surely be an attractive one. I'm not saying that it will guarantee you a spouse, but people around you will not be able to help but notice you in a positive manner. And maybe, just maybe, someone might grow to be romantically attracted to the attributes of Jesus Christ that they see in you: humble, patient, forgiving, self-sacrificing, and ultimately a loving spouse as Jesus is to the Church.
This comic reminds me of how stereotypes permeate our lives and our thinking. Sure, you may not call them stereotypes, but regardless, you cannot deny that we all have self-developed perceptions about those around us.
For example, I appear as a totally typical skinny Asian nerd-geek. There's no way I can possibly have a six-pack right? After all, I look pretty light and thin. This was probably and probably still is your perception of me. Don't worry, I don't care, and I'm not here to condemn anyone.
All of us, give off an image that others see, whether it be the cool dude, or the cute girl, or the outspoken one, or the athletically obsessed. This image we give off is determined by our appearance, but also by the way we carry ourselves and the actions we take. But how does all of that pertain to courting and romantic attraction?
There is generally 4 things that can happen:
1) A person of the opposite sex is initially attracted to the image that you produce. Both of you get to know each other better and that person finds that like your personality as well. Both of you start to develop feelings and dating relationship becomes a reality.
2) A person of the opposite sex is not initially attracted to the image that you produce, but that doesn't mean you can't be friends. However, that person will get to know you better and they will begin to subconsciously change their perceived image of you. The possibility then becomes open that they will grow to perceive you as romantically attractive and it does happen.
3) A person of the opposite sex is initially attracted to the image that you produce. They are subconsciously interested at the mystery and they want to get to know you better. However, as both get to know each other better, one of them decides that a romantic relationship is not possible or not probable. EVERYONE experiences these fleeting attractions. I don't care who you are. It's OK. It's not like it's a bad thing. I personally see courtship as constant process of experiencing fleeting attractions until one day, God willing, you find the person that reciprocates the romantic feelings you have for them and the relationship develops.
4) A person of the opposite sex is not initially attracted to the image that you produce. Even as they get to know you better, it never crosses their mind that you are a potential significant other. And even if it does cross their mind, they quickly dismiss the possibility. They simply see you as a friend.
So my lesson is this, don't be discouraged that you may experience situation 3 or 4. Carry on with your life. And don't just focus your attentions on developing your physical image. Develop your relationship with God. I tell you, if your life permeates of the desire to pursue and worship God, your image will surely be an attractive one. I'm not saying that it will guarantee you a spouse, but people around you will not be able to help but notice you in a positive manner. And maybe, just maybe, someone might grow to be romantically attracted to the attributes of Jesus Christ that they see in you: humble, patient, forgiving, self-sacrificing, and ultimately a loving spouse as Jesus is to the Church.
