Here at OC, we are struck by how often we end up in everyday conundrums. The ones that land you in the thick of semi (or full-blown) awkwardness, or maybe, the doghouse.
So, we turned to Simon Collins, the dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons. Collins recently penned a TOME that explores how and why people get to be so dang successful. To glean a bit of that for ourselves, we've launched Simon Says, in which Collins lends tongue-in-cheek, Brit-bloke advice to our pain-point questions and social entanglements.
So, we turned to Simon Collins, the dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons. Collins recently penned a TOME that explores how and why people get to be so dang successful. To glean a bit of that for ourselves, we've launched Simon Says, in which Collins lends tongue-in-cheek, Brit-bloke advice to our pain-point questions and social entanglements.
Q: You're trying to impress on a first date. Alas, you leave your wallet in your other pair of jeans. Do you 1.) grab a Citi Bike and haul ass home to retrieve it or 2.) accept your potential boo's offer to pay?
Well, if a chap uses that line on you and you fall for it, then you’ve only got yourself to blame. He’s clearly got a piece on the side and he’s popping out to see her. Don’t fall for it is my advice.
As a gentleman and an Englishman, I am genetically unable to let a date pay for dinner. Hence No. 2 is not an option. Indeed neither rain nor sleet nor snow nor the rest of it should stop anyone from going home and getting their wallet. If you are lucky enough to have your date still waiting for you when you return, then you ply him or her with the finest wines available. You should be seen as the preux chevalier that you are, and receive due considerations at the end of the evening.
Q: Would you rather be right or happy?
I don’t understand the question—I’m always right and that makes me happy. There are times when one can be either right or happy, but not both. In the noble estate of romance for instance, I would advise happiness—it’ll make you do nice things.
Being right won’t always make you happy. For example, when arguing with my seven-year-old; I know that Hong Kong Phooey is superior to SpongeBob, and I know I’m right, but when I use my rapier wit to win the argument she starts to cry, and I have to beg for forgiveness, give her a cuddle, and watch SpongeBob anyway. Remember when Mum told you to eat your greens? She was right, but it didn’t make anyone happy right? Ergo right does not equal happy. In general, I would focus on happiness. Your own and those around you. Do that and you probably won’t be wrong.
Simon Collins