In the grand theater of life, amidst the backdrop of our daily routines, there exists a subtle yet telling divide among us. It’s not about politics, religion, or even pineapple on pizza. No, it’s something much more mundane, yet oddly revealing: the simple act of opening and closing blinds and curtains.
Yes, you heard it right.
In my life, I’ve realized that there are two types of people in this world: those who diligently open and close their window coverings, and those who do not. And while it may seem trivial, to me this basic habit speaks volumes about the general disposition and outlook on life of an individual.
I have always been a Curtain Opener, I think mainly because my nana was, when at her house as a little kid I would love flinging open the curtains with her, and greeting the day with a “good morning World”, as she set about her morning breakfast routine. It was comforting and constant. It seemed the perfect way to start the day, by acknowledging its arrival and all the things it may bring. The morning sunlight streaming in the open dining room window while the house filled with the aroma of tea brewing, porridge, and toast cooking remains a core memory. Everything was always settled, safe, and secure at Nana’s house and the joy of greeting a new day and letting in the light was a big part of that.
But let’s delve into this quirky theory and explore what I think it reveals about us.
Firstly, let’s meet the Closed Curtain lovers: These are the folks who greet the day with a cautious, perhaps even skeptical eye, possibly verging on the fearful. As the sun rises, they shield themselves from its unwavering gaze, preferring the comfort of dimly lit interiors and artificial light. Can’t say I know for certain, but my interpretation from knowing these people is that to them, the outside world seems too much to bear, overwhelming, unpredictable, or simply too bright for their liking. I had a roommate once who refused to open or close the curtains. It was like she just wasn’t interested in the day, I was in my mid-20s and had never lived with anyone that didn’t open and close the curtains before. I found this disturbing. Especially seeing as she would just be so slow to get herself together in the mornings – or any time actually. She would shuffle around the house like someone 3x her age, and sit in the kitchen, drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes. (Yes boys and girls, there was a time when people would smoke in their homes.) I used to wonder if that’s what she saw her parents or grandparents do when she was growing up. It’s the opposite of letting in the sunshine and welcoming the day with the scent of breakfast. In retrospect, I wonder if she was depressed.
For the Closed Curtainers, keeping those blinds or curtains closed isn’t just about blocking out physical light; it’s about creating a psychological barrier between themselves and the outside world. It’s a subtle declaration that says, “Not today, world. I’m not ready.”
Conversely, we have the Curtain Openers. These individuals are the morning optimists, the eternal sunshine seekers. As dawn breaks, they fling open their window coverings with gusto, inviting the world in with open arms. To them, every day is a new opportunity, a fresh canvas waiting to be painted with possibility and adventure. Or at least a chance to be reminded that there is a brand new day, where energy and the world are renewed.
For the Curtain Openers, embracing the natural light isn’t just about brightening up their living space; it’s a symbolic gesture of openness and positivity. It’s saying, “Bring it on, world. I’m ready for whatever you’ve got.” They are usually also the Window Openers, – but that’s another topic for another time.
Now, what exactly does this peculiar habit say about us as individuals? Well, let’s take a closer look.
For the Closed Curtainers, their inclination towards darkness may suggest a more cautious, introspective nature. They might be the type to carefully weigh their options before diving headfirst into new experiences. While some may see them as reserved or even pessimistic, in reality, they’re simply taking the time to navigate life at their own pace. Or maybe they are experiencing depression and cannot face the day, just yet anyway.
On the other hand, the Curtain Openers are the optimists, whether it was a learned habit or just their desire to see a new day begin, they seem to be the go-getters of the world.
I remember times in my life when all felt too dark and depressing, I would still look forward to opening the curtains and/or blinds and having another chance to get things straight. Their affinity for natural light reflects an open approach to life, and a willingness to embrace the unknown with open arms. They’re the ones who see challenges as opportunities or at least lessons, and setbacks as mere detours on the road to success. Or maybe they’ve overcome something that seemed like it would crush them and the only thing they could truly rely on was that the sun would rise again.
Of course, these are just generalizations, and there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to human behavior. I’m not a trained professional psychologist, but I do have a lifetime of experiencing and observing people, in all their states and mindsets. After all, we’re all complex creatures with our unique quirks and idiosyncrasies. But it’s hard to deny the curious correlation between something as seemingly insignificant as opening and closing blinds and curtains, and our broader outlook on life.
So, the next time you find yourself reaching for those window coverings, take a moment to reflect on what it might say about you. Are you a cautious Closed Curtainer, or an adventurous Curtain Opener? Whatever your preference, embrace it wholeheartedly, for it’s these small habits that make us who we are.
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