Bright, shiny object syndrome

Life has changed a lot since the “good ol’ days”. For some of us this is 40 years ago, for others it is as little as 10 years ago. At any rate, life has become a lot more fast-paced, and glitzy lifestyles are now the order of the day. Whilst this has been marvellous in many ways, good old-fashioned values seem to have flown out of the window. We are constantly bombarded with glamorous images of airbrushed models, exotic destinations, and we are thoroughly spoiled with cellphones, laptops, and modern conveniences we simply take for granted. If a man sees a long-legged blonde with a short skirt standing next to a girl who has a plainer appearance, he automatically chooses the blonde. Never mind that she is moody, bitchy and materialistic. He may well have had a more suitable girlfriend in the girl who was not so flashy, but in his eyes, at that moment, she simply didn’t exist. Women are just as much to blame. If a man drives an expensive car, has a top position in the corporate world and is good-looking as well, women flock to get his attention. Never mind that he is selfish, demanding and emotionally not available. His quiet, less eye-catching colleague is discarded as irrelevant. When we are invited to a function, we tend to judge the venue according to how trendy and “exciting” it is. We often couldn’t care less about the people and how welcome they make us feel. We feel good that we can say we have been to this funky place. These days TV ads and programmes are geared to flash rapidly from one scene to the next to keep us interested. It seems that this is the only way to keep our attention. Anything slower or less bright loses our attention. Good judgement and discernment have been put to sleep. Instant gratification is the order of the day. We are simply not prepared to wait for anything, no matter how worthwhile. This, ladies and gentlemen, is what is called “bright, shiny object syndrome”. If we are in this mindset when choosing a partner, it spells disaster. Adhering to good old-fashioned values which are in tune with the natural order of the universe is what is going to ultimately make us happy. Take a step back and assess your own personal approach to life. Is it making you happy? If not, you may be a victim of this syndrome. Life was so much easier many years ago. The trick is to keep life as simple as you can. It is the small, uncomplicated details of life that determine our happiness. If you live in the present as much as you can and try to savour each moment, you will enjoy life so much more. Try not to be side-tracked by the many distractions life hurls at you. Your world will not come to an end if you skip the news for one day. Similarly, if you put your phone on silent, put your computer aside for a few hours and go outside and enjoy the sunshine, you will feel like a new person. Take pleasure in nature, animals and close friends and family. When you are on your deathbed, these are the memories that will give you peace and happiness, not how you chased after “bright, shiny objects”. © 2011, 2013 Marilyn Welch. Marilyn Welch is the owner of Perfect Strangers Introduction Society for Professionals and in the last year, one out of every three people who joined Perfect Strangers, met someone special! Visit our website to meet a variety of quality partners amongst whom you may find your soulmate!