Kiel – Behind the Blondeness, Pt. 1

It’s been a while since I’ve written anything really “personal” on here. So I figured I’d give all of you a chance to get to know me a bit better. I’m “stealing” this idea from my friend Kat, so here it goes:

1. Many of you feel that I don’t have a social “filter,” meaning that some things come straight from my brain to my mouth without taking the time to filter it. Truth is, I haven’t always been this way and I notice that I’ve gotten this from my Dad. Believe me, sometimes I have to tell him to filter what he says! I hope you all know that I’m aware of my problem (it’s the first step to recovery!) and sometimes I realize, “wow, I really shouldn’t have said that.”
2. I have a good memory and a bad memory at the same time. I tend to remember a LOT of things. If you’ve told me something, my brain may have flagged it as something important. Often times, if I run into someone in public that I haven’t seen in a while, it will take a few minutes for my brain to click, but I will remember that person and important things about them. I like to think of it as my brain’s “facial recognition software.”
3. I rarely dislike anyone. There may be certain things about someone that I do not like, but overall I try to see that person’s heart and understand that none of us are perfect.
4. I’m not afraid to tell you what I think. I have learned to be straight-forward with people. I don’t sugarcoat things and I try to speak the truth in love. I have learned that sometimes when things get “sugarcoated,” the message gets diluted. If I love you, I will tell you what I think (when asked) and allow you to agree or disagree with my opinion. If I truly care for you, I will walk beside you no matter what you’re going through, even if we disagree. There’s a reason why I “tell it like it is,” and if we’re ever having a deep conversation and you want to know why I “tell it like it is,” feel free to ask.
5. I’m an optimist and a pessimist. Most of the time, I’m an optimist and believe that everything will work out alright in the end. I spent many years dealing with depression and anxiety disorder… this made me more of a pessimist. Through these trials, I have learned that everything will be okay. Sometimes people don’t feel everything will be okay because it’s not the way they pictured as “everything being okay.” I know God is in control and the world will right itself.
6. I’m a momma’s boy. I’m not ashamed to say that I’m a momma’s boy. Through my parents’ divorce, we have grown very close. My mom is one of the few people that I have absolute trust and confidence in. Sometimes she had to be a “b**ch” (my aunt’s words, not mine) when we were growing up, but all of us boys turned out alright thanks to her and my Dad.
7. My Dad and I are alike more than we like to admit. My Dad and I have always had a pretty good relationship. I don’t share as much with him as I do with my Mom, but he is always there when I need him. He has been there for me in my darkest hours and I’m eternally thankful for him.
8. I have a diverse taste in music. I think music is a great avenue for expression. Just like food or art, there are many different “flavors” and “styles” of music. I can’t say that I like one particular genre as I’m always looking for music that I think sounds good. Typically I listen to music based on my mood. One of my most relaxing things is to turn out the lights, light some candles, and listen to music. Fun fact, I have a hard time with memorizing scripture verses, but have tons of song lyrics stuck in my head. If I’ve heard the song before, I can usually recognize it after it’s been playing for a few seconds.
9. I’m learning to try and appreciate new things. Because of my anxiety order and lack of adventure, I used to shy away from trying new things. Now that my anxiety disorder is under control, I realize that I have missed out on a lot of great opportunities. I try and visit new places, try new foods, and experience new things whenever possible.
10. I am extremely picky when it comes to women. I didn’t have a serious relationship until I was 21. Having seen the pain that my parents went through during their divorce is one of the biggest reasons why I’m “picky.” I can be a hopeless romantic like anyone else, but I also recognize the hard work it takes to maintain a good and healthy relationship. Therefore, I don’t waste my time “dating around” and only pursue those I feel who are serious about having a relationship.