Intentions...

Happy Tuesday #Jontourage,

Welcome back to the “Classy Gent Chronicles”, where staying classy is the only way to be.  Let's jump right into it....

I recently had a call with someone I hadn't talked to in a few months... Although a great conversation, I was met with the question "to what do I owe this call?"  Honestly I was just calling to say hi because I hadn't spoken to them in a while. That question frequently pops in our minds (the doubt of why someone is truly reaching out to you) but few may actually ask what your intentions are for reaching out. So this poses the question, when people call, text, or email you, do you feel they really only needed a favor from you?  

What threw me off a little bit about the “to what do I owe this call?” is the relationship I have with that person is not set up like that.  I have known them over ten years and never asked for money, a place to stay, or much of anything in the favor department.  In fact, my friends will tell you sometimes I hit them up just to say hey... sometimes I actually do have a question or may need something but not all the time and I truthfully just enjoy talking to them.  I think once I asked this person for a letter of recommendation for a job but I was upfront when I asked for it.  I wasn’t raised in a family that beat around the bush.  My mom, dad, and grandfather could always spot a bulls*** statement a mile away.  When you have a family like that, you grow just honestly stating your intentions.  I find it works a lot better than those “butter me up” approaches.  

I have been on the other side of things and I prefer people just get right to it.  You don’t have to ask how my mom is doing if you really called to borrow $200.  Although some might argue my approach is a little blunt but I believe time is money.  You didn’t call me to talk for an hour, you called because you needed money so let’s get down to business.  No cream, no sugar in my coffee please!  Personally, I’m going to feel more insulted if we are having this great conversation and then I get hit with “hey can I borrow $200?”  
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Moral of the story:  To some, please be more trusting that everyone who enters your life isn't here to hurt or take from you.  To others, be mindful that your constant request for favors/helps has ruined their trust in others.

Remember, in order to live out your dreams, you have to think it, feel it, live it!  Until next time, stay classy.