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, who after six years in his plum perch, stepped down at the end of last year to launch "Simon 2.0," as he calls it. Translation: More time to share thoughts on new year questions.
Q: I really hate it when someone asks me, "What's your New Year's resolution?" like I'm Tracy Flick prepping for that one thing all year. Is there a way to get motivated to hit that restart button, whenever the mood strikes?
It strikes me that for some people, New Year’s resolutions are primarily another opportunity to talk about themselves. “Well, my New Year’s resolution is to try and insert myself into more of my own conversations. I mean, I rarely mention anyone or anything else, but now I resolve to keep 100% focused on talking about myself.”
You see, the thing is, a resolution is generally a statement about doing something better, or simply being a better person. And if that’s the case, why wait? If you’re in the middle of a sentence about how clever you think you are, and you realize that your resolution should be to talk about yourself a bit less, then stop right there and change the subject. Maybe even talk about the person you’re actually talking to. I guarantee that they will enjoy the conversation more.
Why wait for the next Hallmark holiday to become better people? Why not resolve right now to spend more time talking, and less time emailing? There is so much more to people than a glowing screen.
Of course, none of the above applies when you’ve had a couple of bottles of decent claret. That’s the time when everything makes sense. So why not text your friends and tell them your plans right there and then? Or better still, use social media to tell the whole world what you’re going to do.* “I’m going to forget all about that bastard (insert ex’s name), tell my boss what I think of them, and get that (insert object of lust) into bed. Watch me.”
In vino veritas, and all that.
*See previous notes on how to recover from drunk texting
Q: Thank you cards—are they still appropriate?
I write this in the confident knowledge that almost none of you, dear readers, will heed my words. Nonetheless, may I take this moment to exhort you to please, please send as many thank you cards as your postal worker can carry at all times and for all reasons. There is simply nothing better than receiving a handwritten note saying "Thank You."
Yes, I know we all work in paperless offices—down with faxes and photocopiers and all that. I agree. But may I suggest that the very trees themselves would be prepared to donate a branch or two for the paper required to spread a bit of happiness? And if you want to push the boat out, why not snap up some cards and get your name printed on them? Then you can be all posh and strike out your name, apparently to imply a more personal touch, as you sign the card with your nickname (Bunny-Nose or Tinkie-Wink, etc).
You’ll find that people hold onto these cards, and your name will be forever in their desk drawer.
So, we turned to Simon Collins, the dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons, who after six years in his plum perch, stepped down at the end of last year to launch "Simon 2.0," as he calls it. Translation: More time to share thoughts on new year questions.
Q: I really hate it when someone asks me, "What's your New Year's resolution?" like I'm Tracy Flick prepping for that one thing all year. Is there a way to get motivated to hit that restart button, whenever the mood strikes?
It strikes me that for some people, New Year’s resolutions are primarily another opportunity to talk about themselves. “Well, my New Year’s resolution is to try and insert myself into more of my own conversations. I mean, I rarely mention anyone or anything else, but now I resolve to keep 100% focused on talking about myself.”
You see, the thing is, a resolution is generally a statement about doing something better, or simply being a better person. And if that’s the case, why wait? If you’re in the middle of a sentence about how clever you think you are, and you realize that your resolution should be to talk about yourself a bit less, then stop right there and change the subject. Maybe even talk about the person you’re actually talking to. I guarantee that they will enjoy the conversation more.
Why wait for the next Hallmark holiday to become better people? Why not resolve right now to spend more time talking, and less time emailing? There is so much more to people than a glowing screen.
Of course, none of the above applies when you’ve had a couple of bottles of decent claret. That’s the time when everything makes sense. So why not text your friends and tell them your plans right there and then? Or better still, use social media to tell the whole world what you’re going to do.* “I’m going to forget all about that bastard (insert ex’s name), tell my boss what I think of them, and get that (insert object of lust) into bed. Watch me.”
In vino veritas, and all that.
*See previous notes on how to recover from drunk texting
Q: Thank you cards—are they still appropriate?
I write this in the confident knowledge that almost none of you, dear readers, will heed my words. Nonetheless, may I take this moment to exhort you to please, please send as many thank you cards as your postal worker can carry at all times and for all reasons. There is simply nothing better than receiving a handwritten note saying "Thank You."
Yes, I know we all work in paperless offices—down with faxes and photocopiers and all that. I agree. But may I suggest that the very trees themselves would be prepared to donate a branch or two for the paper required to spread a bit of happiness? And if you want to push the boat out, why not snap up some cards and get your name printed on them? Then you can be all posh and strike out your name, apparently to imply a more personal touch, as you sign the card with your nickname (Bunny-Nose or Tinkie-Wink, etc).
You’ll find that people hold onto these cards, and your name will be forever in their desk drawer.