Last night I satiated all twenty of my sweet-teeth at a candy cane cocktail party.
I encountered a kitten who tenderly purred and nuzzled against my legs, and while sipping on a drink with a peppermint twist, found myself contemplating this cat’s behavior when matched with an unyielding gaze toward my candy.
A random act of genuine kindness hangs in a museum of urban myths; sometimes spotted, always debated, and rarely decided void of ulterior motive.
I was told today that the purring of a cat has been inaccurately read as a symbol of content. Contrary to the understanding that this rhythmic hum is an audible display of affection, rather it was argued that masquerading as a gentle purr is instead an unabashed plea for attention.
What undaunted criticism! What a presumptuous and shameless claim to accuse of a harmless and defenseless species!
Insincere affection as a plea for attention? Flattering manipulation as a ploy for personal gain? Why do these methods sound uncomfortably familiar and, frankly, hopelessly human?
Perhaps we are not as far or elevated from our feline counterparts as we would wish to believe.
Why do we insist on a charade of such deceit, and when did we decide to eschew straight forward communication? Today, it seems that straight forward demands equate to the shrill whining of a hungry and homeless stray. Perhaps of a tabby that doesn’t quite understand how purrs and affection yield greater results than nagging and direct demands. Eventually, the purring cat will easily be awarded warm milk.
I recall batting my lashes and quivering my bottom lip in exchange for time out invincibility. Precautionary breakfast in bed the morning of report cards, and a heightened attention to chores the month before Christmas. Groomed and developed in our upbringing, human beings are just as manipulative and equally as stealth in our endeavors, our only fault being our inability to play quite as coy as a kitten.
Women know how to use charm to get what they want, and as a result, suspect a similar foul agenda when receiving significant or over-eager flattery.
If someone is nice to you, do you automatically assume that they want something? I propose it be accepted as a fair trade. If you are going to beg and make demands, you might as well offer a complimentary incentive.
Purr like a kitten and they will be eating right out of your hand.
