My brother C and I had a conversation today that included how we observe and take in the people around us in our lives. He and I would both assess people as we meet them or interact with them to determine whether they are people with whom we would want to pursue some kind of relationship. I think most probably work this way to some degree, but it’s interesting to compare notes.

I asked him what traits he looked for. “Theater kids [or people that come across similarly] give me energy and I know how to play off that,” he mused. “And people who care about what they consume.” Oh, like health-conscious or earth-conscious people? “No – people who care about the content they consume. Media. People who care about consuming quality things.” Another that came up was having interests – people who care about interesting things and are passionate about them.

The thing I came up with first was confidence, and with that competency – when I look for people I’d want to spend time around or work with or emulate, those are the things I’m evaluating. Do you look me in the eye? Do you seem nervous or at ease? Do you contribute to the conversation? Do you know what you’re talking about? Can you take criticism or roll with someone in the room doing something abrupt or affronting or unexpected? Do you smile? Do you uplift other people or do you take every opportunity to bolster your own credentials?

Anyway. It was an interesting thought exercise. Would love to hear your thoughts – add any via comment that you would look for or how you see this differently.

-LS