Times are changing

 Times are definitely changing and so are behaviours . 

I reflect on so many people I knew as a boy- they carried  themselves with quiet grace, every movement deliberate and unhurried. Their calm demeanor and measured words exuded an air of quiet confidence, drawing others in with simplicity and sincerity. They were not boring by any chance -quite to the contrary ,  they were full of fun and  they came across as genuine, interesting , kind and empathetic, and thereby lies the difference. There are many like that around even today . 

However , I now tend to see a larger number of individuals,  whose exuberance seems to fill the room, complete with loud declarations, corny jokes, general excitement , dramatic gestures, and a seemingly endless supply of love , happiness and positivity. 

They hug, kiss, send flying kisses, jump around like cats on hot tin roofs,and  dress rather flamboyantly—often drawing attention wherever they go. 

Their conversations pulse with infectious energy, voices rising and gestures amplifying every word. Expressions shift between wonder, delight, and urgency, each moment brimming with the thrill of potential revelation, captivating all around them. 

I often wonder -  is this genuine, is it a performance?- or am I just a dull soul? 

 For some, this hyper-enthusiasm may be an expression of their authentic self—a natural inclination to engage with life wholeheartedly and that's fine . They see the world as a stage, their actions driven by passion, optimism, and a desire to connect.

But for others, this could be a façade;  a carefully constructed image to mask insecurities or project an illusion of unshakable joy and purpose. Imposter syndrome maybe ? 

Social media and societal pressures often glorify the "charged-up, life-changing" persona, encouraging people to adopt it, even when it doesn’t resonate internally- and many do ! 

 I find it a trifle nauseating and that's just me voicing a thought  .

For me , excessive positivity  feels alienating, as I  prefer subtler and more  grounded interactions. 

Life isn’t always sunshine, laughter and rainbows, and perpetual cheerfulness  comes across as insincere or rather dismissive of life’s realities and complexities.

In truth, not everyone needs to attempt to change the world in dramatic ways to make an impact. 

Quiet contributions often speak volumes, but often, those people are looked down upon as not contributing significantly enough to world progress! 

 Whether the exuberance on display is genuine or just a show is the question -  perhaps the key lies in staying true to oneself—whether that means whispering in the background or shouting from the rooftops.

As Oscar Wilde once quipped, “Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.”