Finding the right people and protecting yourself from the wrong people, Part 2
“By a man’s fingernails, by his coat-sleeve, by his boots, by his trouser-knees, by the calluses of his forefinger and thumb, by his expression, by his shirt-cuffs, by his movements—by each of these things a man’s calling is plainly revealed. That all united should fail to enlighten the competent enquirer in any case is almost inconceivable.”
_Sherlock Holmes, A Study in Scarlet
In my last blog, I stated that one of the most important factors to your success and happiness will be the people you associate with and align yourself with. Thus developing the skill of wisely choosing the people you allow into your life is vital.
Using Proverbs 6:12-15 I am developing a template to help you wisely choose the right people to be in your inner circle of friends and associates.
On Monday, I gave the first principle: Listen to what people say. Their conversations will tell you a lot about their character and their values.
Today’s principle is a little more difficult – more of an art than a science – but it is extremely important.
- Principle #2: In choosing your friends and associates observe carefully their body language, especially when they think no one is watching.
Proverbs 6:12-13 describes it this way: “A worthless person, a wick man…winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger…”
What is being described here is body language.
Remember the old adage: What you’re doing is drowning out what you’re saying!
Looking to befriend someone?
Observe how they treat their spouse, subordinates, children, people in authority over them.
Watch how they treat themselves. Are they sloppy, unkempt? Or do they carry themselves with dignity and confidence?
Watch them waiting in line for their turn (That will tell you a lot about someone!)
Observe how they treat their servers at restaurants.
Are they kind or rude?
Are they patient or impatient?
Are they generous and respectful?
Do they show proper decorum or are they brash and disruptive?
Bottom line, the way people act matters.
The ONE THING for today: Any of us can have bad moments, but day in and day out, the way people act speaks louder than anything they say. Watch and listen…it will go a long way towards helping you wisely choose your friends and associates.
Principle #3 next time…and boy is it important!
Photo by Oleksii Makarov on Unsplash
