Behind Closed Doors

p r e f a c e

PREFACE

Lauren Bellmore | Perspicacity

IF YOU ASKED ME to define myself in just one word, the only word that accurately embodies who I am is perspicacious.

My name is Lauren Rosaline Bellmore, and I am what many would call a listener, not a speaker. I hear the unspoken thoughts and words that people are dying to say. I see past the walls they build up around themselves, and evaluate what I observe in order to form conclusions. I can read what they really think, and I can see who they truly are.

Nothing goes unnoticed by me.

The old saying goes to never judge a book by it's cover. While these wise words of wisdom hold truth, it should be duly noted that the outward appearance can be a pretty accurate reflection of the type of person someone is.

Growing up around high society, known as America's one percent, I've seen everything, and I'm unphased by everything. The brutality masked by a false sense of luxury has ultimately corrupted me into the woman I am today. When I am not with my societal acquaintances, I typically come off as shy and recluse strangers, and that is just fine with me.

Despite what people say about how the way you look doesn't define who you are, your looks can actually say a lot about you. Factors such as the way one dresses, grooms, or carries themselves may reveal clues as to who they are. However, observations from that of an untrained eye may cause inaccurate assumptions of others that end in anger or tears.

In my eyes, the most glaring aspect that really gives people away is their actions and mannerisms. Actions speak louder than words. The way people carry themselves gives away just about everything. For example, one cannot hide the fact that they have confidence, nor can one hide the fact that they lack confidence. Through actions, the truth will always reveal itself.

One cannot mask their emotions either. You can sometimes see it in their eyes or their tone of voice. When people lie to your face, sometimes their ears or nose twitch or itch. Those who do not dig deeper than the surface may fall for the trick, but the ones who look closely enough are not as easily fooled.

The way we dress and groom ourselves is fairly reflective of who we are as well. Whether we like it or not, our looks are a major factor in how society treats us. People who make an effort to dress nice and fix up their appearance are showing they care by displaying a level of professionalism and respect. It's psychologically proven that those who always look their best will feel their best and perform at their most productive rate.

My daddy always said this was an important trait to have as a businessman; you must be able to see through people. Though my dad had seemingly perfected this art, trust in his instincts ultimately because his most detrimental flaw to this date.

As an introvert, I keep to myself; it's not my job to spew emotions and burdens of my own. I don't feel emotions, I simply serve as a vessel to articulate the hidden emotions of others. I don't talk much; speaking through my mouth is ineffective when the best words are easier for me to write than say.

I don't keep anyone close because I find relationships are toxic.They may give a false sense of happiness or euphoria but in the end those relationships crumple to the ground whether it be through drifting apart, fighting, or death.

Many people think they know me but who they've come to know and think they love is a façade. I grew up with the same people I associate with today. They see me as Lauren, the loyal and calm friend. I am never the center of attention amongst my so-called group, but I play my part nonetheless.