A friend of a friend, who learned what I do for a living, came to ask me for some advice. This happens quite often.
“Which vehicle do you think I should buy: a Toyota Corolla or a Toyota Tundra?”
I thought he was joking. But no. This guy was totally serious.
So I asked why he thought he needed a Tundra.
“Because my girlfriend and I go camping once or twice each summer”, he answered gravely.
Once. Or twice. Seriously?
That’s why he needed a gas-guzzling colossus?
By questioning him a bit, I discovered the real reason behind his query. You see, I reasonably suggested an alternative to these two models: the Toyota Matrix. It’s distinctly more practical than the Corolla, even for the occasional camping trip, and distinctly less cumbersome, and especially less thirsty, than a pickup.
That’s when the cat came out of the bag: “I don’t like the Matrix’ shape. Plus, I’ve always dreamed of driving my own truck”.
Huh.
In the end, he really wasn’t interested in my advice. He was secretly hoping an “expert” would approve his choice, either to help him convince his girlfriend or to help convince himself that he was making the right decision by springing for a life-sized Tonka truck.
I shrugged. I suggested curtly that he choose the one he wanted. And I turned on my heel and left.
He probably didn’t think I was too polite. He probably won’t read my next texts. Did he ever read a single one?
If this guy reads anything, it’s surely to find something that makes him feel good about himself. Something that validates his choices, thoughts and opinions. Nothing more. He lives in his own little world, and he always will.
You’ve probably guessed by now that I hate stupid questions from guys like that…
“Which vehicle do you think I should buy: a Toyota Corolla or a Toyota Tundra?”
I thought he was joking. But no. This guy was totally serious.
So I asked why he thought he needed a Tundra.
“Because my girlfriend and I go camping once or twice each summer”, he answered gravely.
Once. Or twice. Seriously?
That’s why he needed a gas-guzzling colossus?
By questioning him a bit, I discovered the real reason behind his query. You see, I reasonably suggested an alternative to these two models: the Toyota Matrix. It’s distinctly more practical than the Corolla, even for the occasional camping trip, and distinctly less cumbersome, and especially less thirsty, than a pickup.
That’s when the cat came out of the bag: “I don’t like the Matrix’ shape. Plus, I’ve always dreamed of driving my own truck”.
Huh.
In the end, he really wasn’t interested in my advice. He was secretly hoping an “expert” would approve his choice, either to help him convince his girlfriend or to help convince himself that he was making the right decision by springing for a life-sized Tonka truck.
I shrugged. I suggested curtly that he choose the one he wanted. And I turned on my heel and left.
He probably didn’t think I was too polite. He probably won’t read my next texts. Did he ever read a single one?
If this guy reads anything, it’s surely to find something that makes him feel good about himself. Something that validates his choices, thoughts and opinions. Nothing more. He lives in his own little world, and he always will.
You’ve probably guessed by now that I hate stupid questions from guys like that…