Tape measures…

 

            My mother was a dressmaker. Therefore, I learnt quite early in life what a tape measure was. – It was used for measuring height, length, width and circumference. – Sizing someone up to be exact.

 

However, as I grew up I soon caught on that a lot of other people go through life carrying another type of " tape measure." – I notice this peculiarity, particularly, around Christmastime.

 

People are stressed out about buying gifts they can hardly afford because they are afraid of not measuring up to other people’s expectations.

 

Others won’t send a Christmas card to someone unless they get one first!

 

In fact, the giving is measured, they will only give if they get! – So it’s only an exchange really, not a true generosity of thought. – It’s "tit for tat" which is never really very nice is it?

 

– I can always tell who has truly had me in mind. Their cards are always the first to arrive – and they are always from the same lovely people.

 

Some people "size" you up in another way. They go around with a mental " tape measure."  –  I notice it straightaway. Their eyes look you up and down, there is a quick glance at your jewellery, a comment on the make of your car. Your accent next. – Ah, yes – here we go…  

 

Without fail, according to how they are measuring you up , you’ve either been " Born with a silver spoon in your mouth and never had to do day’s work in your life." or  "’Living on easy street because you own a business and therefore, according to them …” don’t have to work as hard as other people " – We’ve all met these types of people. Presumptuous to the core because they like to sum up others but don’t quite measure up themselves!

 

If they did but know about all the trials and tribulations that some people have had to work through all of their lives to become successful!

 

People are often measured unjustly because of their race or colour. Either for their looks or education. Whether they have money in their pockets or not. For their abilities or the lack thereof.

 

Then of course, there are the people who expect an immediate favour in return,  if they’ve done one for you.  – Which as we we know,  isn’t always possible at any given moment. – " Tit for tat " – again!

 

Take note, wherever there is a " tape-measure " in someone’s head, you can be sure – you’ll be cut down to size.

 

Better is a small kind gesture or small gift given with feeling than large one given without true sentiment!