Always Putting Your Best Foot Forward?

My Best Side
We all have a best side. The angle that we prefer to be photographed from. If someone pulls out a camera, I instinctively shift my position to hide that less flattering side. The one with the scar and side of my head that has the most uncooperative hair on the planet. The good side has hair that always stays where I want it. So, if possible I like my best side to show. I don't want everyone to see my superficial flaws. I am only comfortable letting my loved ones see all of me. Warts and all. That is also true of my personality flaws. Those few people that I trust all of me to, know what I'm talking about. There is a side of me that isn't always funny or sweet. There is a bit of a brooder in me that likes to lurk just below the surface. That side of me only tends to break through the sugary crust when I am in the comfort of my own home. I guess I could say the same for my loved ones. We are fortunate to feel safe enough with each other to just be ourselves.

Always Putting Your Best Foot Forward
We have all been taught to put our best foot forward in order to make a good impression in life. It's important to look nice and be cordial in social settings. It's vital to be professional and work your good angles in a job interview or place of employment. Having said that, it is also important not to come off as an "Eddie Haskell". Being overly sweet or phoney can come through if you lay it on too thick. It's better to portray the best of who you truly are. You will be seen as more genuine and will be more apt to be accepted.

What's On That Other Shoe?
It's impossible to put your best foot forward at all times. Perfection doesn't exist. Desperately trying to hide flaws at all costs will eventually lead to mistrust. Anyone who leads with their best foot to a fault has me wondering what's on their other shoe. Could it be stuck in a bucket of something that I don't want tracked on my carpet? If I'm going to trust someone I need to see their bad side. I deserve to know how bad that side can get. I want to see scars, warts, and foul moods. Show me what your anger looks like. Everyone gets angry. Someday, that best foot is going to get weary. When that happens I need to know if the one you've been keeping behind your back is going to give me a good swift kick. I don't like surprises.

Stand On Your Own Two Feet
Standing firmly on your own two feet in plain view is most likely your best bet. When you go in for that job interview, showcase your talents and accomplishments. Avoid hiding employment opportunities gone awry and never place blame outside yourself. In social settings try to be yourself. Trying too hard to be someone you're not will get you nowhere. Ultimately, you are only as good as your best foot and bad side put together. Why not integrate them and present the whole you? Those with nothing to hide, hide nothing. Beware of the person who leads only with one foot and insists on always standing on your left. Chances are there is something unsightly on his right side and a foot ready to drop that other shoe any minute!