Seattle's weather is downright
predictable. It's cloudy, rainy and cold year round. And what's equally
as predictable is everyone's reaction to it...especially right now
as the Spring sun starts poking through, teasing us with kayak wishes and barbecue dreams.
Naturally because it's top of mind, it
instantly becomes the most popular conversation topic.
“Howya been?”
“Oh, man....this weather...”
or
“What are you doing Saturday?”
“Well, if it wasn't for this
weather...”
I never know how to react because I
love the weather and would rather talk about how refreshing it is,
or how the plants are so green and lush.
But my cheer usually doesn't go over well, so I've learned just to change the topic. The success rate depends on who I'm speaking with.
After much observation, I've pinpointed
the top 4 Seattle-weather-complaining-types:
- Bubbling Ragers- They take the weather personally, and they are very angry about it.
- Awkward Pause Filllers- They can't think of anything else to say. We've all been there.
- Delicate Flowers- These people are very sensitive to all external forces, the weather being one of many.
- SAD Pandas-Victims of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Warning signs include pasty skin and dark under eye shadows. Rarely seen because often hibernating.
It's fascinating that there are so many ways to hate the weather, yet it's the bond that all Seatteites share.
I don't want to complain about complaining, but let me share what comes to mind when people start
ranting and raving: in human relations, there is a continuum
of quid pro quo. Everyone has an effect on someone else, just like a skipping stone sends ripples across the water. If positivity
and negativity are both contagious, what are we spreading when we start bitching about the skies?
Besides, it's not like Mother Nature can respond in a meaningful way anyway... Well, unless you've got the money to seed the clouds.
Yes, Seattleites, we do have the
right to talk about whatever we want, and yes, I support you getting
it off your chest. But I also want to remind everyone that this is
one of the most literate U.S. cities AND there are approximately
1,013,913 words in the English language. Oh, imagine the convos that could be had!
The clouds may suck, but being a little
proactive to satisfy personal needs could go a long way. We have to make sure we are getting the right amount of sleep, exercise, fresh air, and socializing to prevent SAD. It's up to the
individual to root out how to ease the pain—like planning a
tropical island getaway, or maybe throwing an indoor luau...in which case I hope I get an invitation. ;)
Rainy or not—every day is a new day.
There's only one chance to
make it count.
