You’re signaling all right — just not what you think.
So I was driving up Preston Road this week, looked at the back of the car in front of me, and there it was.
The Coexist bumper sticker.
Always displayed by someone trying to signal that they’re tolerant, smart, and above the fray — while convincing nobody but themselves.
Tolerant? Anyone who’s dealt with these folks knows they’re rarely as tolerant as they claim.
Smart? We all agree it would be nice if everyone got along. But to act like centuries of conflicting worldviews can be squared with a one-word bumper sticker? “Smart” isn’t the right word.
Above the fray? Only until you say something — probably by accident — that contradicts one of their beliefs.
In truth, the sticker’s a red flag. Stay clear.
One thing they don’t coexist with is critical thinking.
There are plenty of other examples of people thinking they’re sending one signal while the rest of us read something very different:
- The 50-year-old who brings up their college in every conversation — wants to sound educated, but really shows they haven’t done anything impressive in 25 years.
- The guy with the aftermarket exhaust — thinks it’s swagger, but it reads like overcompensation.
- The middle-aged woman getting tattoo sleeves — aiming for youthful and edgy, but looks like chasing something that should’ve been outgrown decades ago.
It happens in real estate too. The classic is overtalking — trying to impress a potential client with a flood of knowledge. It might fly in the housing market, where most buyers and sellers know little beyond their own home and some market generalities.
But in land? Owners tend to know a lot more. It doesn’t take long to spot when someone is saying things that sound good but are flat-out wrong. And that makes all of us look bad.
I try to avoid signaling as much as possible. I want to be seen as smart, but I’d rather be trusted than flashy. If I say something, it’s because I’m as sure as I can be that it’s right.
Give me the less flashy guy I can trust over whatever else is out there.
And as long as we are talking about signaling, how about this:
I voted for Trump.
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Just a glutton for punishment?
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