Being an Outlier

According to Malcom Gladwell in the Outliers, the town Rosetta was so healthy because of the interactions each person had with others. It never really occurred to me how important social interaction could be pertaining to physical health. I mean, I usually say hi to people in the hallways and all but I never understood how just that little gesture could completely alter a person's mindset and thus their health. Why is it this way? From an evolutionary psychologists standpoint, humans found that being in groups was more beneficial in getting food, hunting, gathering, REPRODUCING, you name it. There was an evolutionary quality to being well liked, clearly. That is precisely how our species got this massive. Also, notice the fact that a marker of depression is when someone is lonely. People are happiest when they can interact with one-another in a comfortable environment. The reason the people of Rosetta are so healthy is that they have each other. Socially, three generations live under one roof. They all go to work together. They live in their own little social "bubble" in the mountains where life goes on in a slow pace. They thrive on company- after all, they're Italian. The people of the town have figured out how to live a long, happy, life. In the US and around the world, they are an outlier. We all need to be like the people of Rosetta. Maybe then the most common cause of death would be nothing but old age.

It's a good fantasy, anyway.

Yours truly,

Jessie

Prelude to blog

Today I'm wearing gorgeous boots I bought at DSW. Sociological pressure. Normally I would think these boots were somewhat weird, black with ruffles on the side and go all the way up the leg. However I knew that these boots were the "in" trend, so I guess that's why I bought them.

This is not the "This I Believe Essay". I am just trying this thing out sitting in the link lab of my school. But for some reason this seems like a very therapeutic way for people to show there ideas. I guess blogs are just one of the most widespread sociological ideas that I actually enjoy.

Before I officially get started, It is important for you to know who I am, that way you may understand my sense of humor. Well, to begin I laugh like a loud horn. But I have learned to refrain from laughing this way and I now know to chuckle softly when laughing at a joke (although this is mostly used as a pity laugh from me, so if I don't laugh at you like a loud horn, your joke ISN'T funny). I am also a grammar freak. Placing periods, comma's, and apostrophes into sentences brings me a surprise enjoyment. But don't worry, it's not like I just sit at home and place comma's into sentences in my spare time. That's just weird (but if you do that I have nothing against you). I mostly just think about it when I'm bored, or if someone's talking to me I like to think how the sentence can change to be better. But please don't worry (I'm not a dork) and yes, I do have somewhat of a social life.

My favorite type of music is jazz. kinda weird, yes. But it's cool. It completely alters my mood. Like I could be extremely sad and then turn on jazz and I will become introverted in complete bliss. And I am a sugar fanatic. Give me a piece of candy and you are my hero. Lastly, my favorite flowers are white roses. They smell like an amazing piece of buttercream cake yet a bit more subtle and I love it. Get me white roses and you are my night in shining armor.

Ta-ta for now!

Yours truly,

Jessie