Underselling

So many people exaggerate - intentionally or unintentionally.  Many of us are taught from toddler-hood to be polite and respectful.  In following our lifelong teachings, we sometimes overplay just how comparatively good something is to normal, average or everyday.  It's rarer that we are undersold on the attributes of an item or experience.  Though they were afraid they had oversold Crystal Bridges Art Museum, my wonderful parents, despite their best attempts at a fair, but incredibly positive review, had actually undersold this phenomenal venue.  

Though I knew I would love it, I was blown away, because it was far better than I'd imagined.

Exaggeration may be good for egos - ours and others, but underselling (when a sale is made) has the opportunity to create remarkable experiences and memories.

Love of Learning

At breakfast this week, a discussion reminded me of a devastating experience in fourth grade.  My teacher told me if I did x, I'd get an A.  I did x and she gave me a B.  I was uncontrollably upset.  When my dear Mother asked about the situation, the teacher admitted that she'd given me a B because she knew that I could do better.  She was correct.  I could have done better.  However, I'd done just what she'd outlined to earn an A.   In her misguided way, I think she was trying to instill a love of learning and a desire to always live up to my potential.  Though I learned these important lessons along the way, it's only with many years hindsight that I can forgive her for misleading me and attribute the positive motive that I assume she intended.  It makes me wonder how often we unintentionally derail a child's natural love of learning.