Dismissed!

Dismissing gives me a quick little lift.

“That guy is an idiot!”
“That place sucks!”

There.
Now I feel superior.
Now I don’t have to think about it.

I don’t even need first-hand experience.
I can just echo any complaint I’ve heard.

I’ve done this with restaurants, religions, political ideologies, and entire countries with millions of people.
Pffft.
Dismissed!

It works best if done publicly, to signal my status.
“Look at me, above that!”

It’s a drag when I have to look past my initial reaction, and actually get to know something or someone.
Just sit there and listen to someone that doesn’t think like me?
Open up stuff I’d already closed?
Ugh!
It’s too hard!
How am I supposed to dominate when I can’t even attack?

OK.
After hearing more, I’ll admit, it’s not as bad as I thought.
These people aren’t idiots.
Different values than I’m used to — different trade-offs, but OK.
I get it.
I kinda like it.

In fact, getting to know it is really rewarding.
Like finding a whole floor of my house that I didn’t know was there.
It expands my definition of home and self.

When I look out of its window, I see a bunch of new friends, who invite me over and welcome me, happy that I can also appreciate what they love.