Snakes in the Grass

Through out my life I have encounter a vast array of different people, some were great and wonderful, while others left me scratching my head wondering what they were really up to. I know this may come off as sounding as if I am suspicious or perhaps bitter do to an unfriendly encounter, but I really believe that there are people out that that I would consider snakes in the grass. What exactly is a snake in the grass? Well I would consider a snake in the grass as a person who is always waiting or lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce on vulnerability or on anyone that may not hold the same ideas and values that they do.

I have met a wide variety of different people in my years, having working in a venue of different customer service or people related businesses. There are some people that either have the skill to work well with others or they do not. Then there are those people that seem like they are genuine, only to find that they are lying in wait, hoping for someone to either fail or succeed, so that can either drag them further down or ride on the coat tails of their success. I think the best way to sum of the snakes in the grass is to categorize them for all to gauge how sneaky the snake next to them really is.

Abe the Gardner Snake - This is the least harmful of the sneaky snakes in the world. He will sit quietly and make you think that he has nothing to gain or lose by hanging behind, but when you least expect it, Abe will come out of no where and steal a wanting glance and almost make you feel sorry for him. When he does this, you let your guard down and he has to opportunity to capitalize on you moment of weakness, or you small window of empathy. Although, the Gardner Snake capitalizes on your moment of weakness, he is still relatively harmless, and really he costs you nothing for his short burst of self gratification.

Amy the Anaconda - I will say that I chose the name for a reason. I know an Amy the Anaconda, and she is truly a heinous creature. She puts herself out there to be a saint and savior, she capitalizes on you when you have a moment of weakness of vulnerability. She proceeds to offer a suggestion that appears to be a win-win situation for everyone, and she slowly lures you into accepting her bid for a win-win situation. If the situation no longer suits Amy's needs, she will cast you aside like yesterday's news, but she will be sure to show her cunning and wit, to ensure that she looks like the superior being and that she looks like she was actually doing YOU a favor. Although she had plenty to gain from the venture herself, she will make it look like you were in a situation where she offered to help, and when it did not work out, you become a liability. She cuts her loses, and severes her ties, but only after she attempts to make it abundantly clear that she is the superior creature. She will throw you in the river without a raft, wait for you to sink, and then she will attack, painting herself a heroine as she sucks your blood behind closed doors. Watching your back and being educated and informed, able to counter any attacks is the best way to save yourself from the attack of Amy the Anaconda.

Ricky the Rattler - Most people think of Ricky the Rattler and they think danger! That is not always the case. Ricky the Rattler can be dangerous if you do not keep your guard up. But for the most part, as long as you maintain awareness and are always wary of what you leave exposed for Ricky, you will be safe. Ricky the Rattler is a creature of opportunity, if you give him the opportunity to get you, he will. But if you stay on guard and don't leave any vulnerabilities exposed, you can usually cut him off before he strikes. Ricky the Rattler only seeks to fulfill his most immediate need, once that need is satisfied, he is not a threat until the next time he needs something. Lock your doors and hide your money and Ricky won't be able to "rattle" you.

Carol the Constricter - Again, there was some purpose in which I chose this name, but nevertheless, Carol the Constricter may have the best intentions at heart, but she often causes more pain than anything. Carol has a one track mind. She is unable or unwilling to see things from a different point of view, or from the point of view that may be best, simply because it is not what she knows. The road to good intentions can often be paved with the most hurt. Carol the Constricter has the desire to be the matriarch of everything, the all around person that only starts a stir when needed. But when she does start a stir, hold on to you seat, because she is right, you are wrong, and even if she listens, she does not hear you as she squeezes what life is left out of you. Life with Carol the Constricter around can leave you putting her at arms length, keeping your distance and closing off communication that once existed, simply because no matter what she will continue to squeeze until you either give up or leave. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer, although Carol may seem like a friend, often times you will find her as an enemy and you need to be on guard.

There are so many different people out in the world, and knowing what kind of personalities are out there, lurking in the grass, waiting to prey on your vulnerabilities will help you be better prepared to thwart their attacks. I am not saying that all people are snakes, but many people can be very, very sneaky and are only looking out for themselves so watch out for the snakes in the grass waiting to take something from you or your life.