GLOW: to shine with low light and heat but usually without flame; to shine with a steady light
Have you ever noticed how people have a tougher time looking at the sun than the moon? Wearing shades (sunglasses) makes little difference; the rays are too strong. The only time of day you can look at the sun with no fear of harming your eyes would be early morning or late evening: sunrise and sunset. Why? Because the sun's rays don't glare at that time of day, they glow. The light seen at that time is similar to moonlight: soft, warm, inviting...attractive. Think about it: when was the last time you heard of someone being turned off by moonlight, by candlelight...
...or even the crackle of logs in a fireplace?
Chances are, you haven't. There's nothing about a soft glowing light that turns people off. But there is plenty about a harsh glare that does. It's uncomfortable, overbearing, overwhelming. People have trouble adjusting to it, and will do whatever they can to avoid it. Consider this the next time you want to speak with someone about an idea you'd like to share, or an opportunity you'd like to present. What does the difference between a glare and a glow have to do with speaking to people, you ask? In a word...plenty...or if you want to drag out the syllables a bit: puh-LEN-ty.
Simply put, nobody likes a conversation that makes them feel overwhelmed, smothered, suffocated. Neither do they like to feel manipulated or humiliated, as if they've been painted into a corner from which there is no escape. It's like giving someone a cup of water by filling it with a fire hose. Yes it's more powerful, and the water will fill the cup more quickly, but it will happen TOO quickly for most people to handle. As thirsty as they may be, they'll head for the hills because they can't handle what you're giving them. It's way too much, way too soon.
Compare that with someone who fills a cup of water for them to drink from a pitcher instead of a hose. It's something they can handle at their own pace, it gives them what they need, and if they want more, they can come back and get as much as they want, when THEY'RE ready to drink. But it won't happen so long as we're trying to cram it down their throats because we're in such a hurry for them to have it, no matter how much we think they need what we have to offer.
The sun's glare is intense, intimidating. By contrast the sun's glow is inviting. So is the glow of moonlight, of candlelight, and the light of the fireplace...warm, calming, even soothing. It puts people at ease, it turns them on rather than turning them off, invites them to come closer and enjoy more of what they're experiencing. But here's the question you need to answer: when talking with people, what do you want them to remember most about the conversation? The glow of a warm, friendly, engaging encounter that encourages them, making them feel right at home? Or a harsh glare that's overbearing, intimidating, manipulative, and suffocating... even pushy?
Think carefully. Your answer may determine whether more people rejoice at your presence:
Or your absence:
That's all for now, gotta run. Until we meet again, remember....
Keep it simple...See ya!
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