Paris, You've Got a Friend

I'm often accused of having an obsession with Paris. 
This isn't a disorder.   It's a character trait.

My infatuation is born out of a passion for travel and all things french.
Inspired by intravenous infusions of art, architecture, food and wine,
Paris on the brain isn't just some old passing fancy.
I don't feed the fever 24/7 but then again,
it never strays too far from my wandering mind.
Paris devotion is an enthusiastic distraction -- highlighted and
underscored on my perpetual life calendar -- an
ongoing endeavor to discover the best of my chosen city.
And I know I'm not alone.

But you have to wonder.
Why do so many of us feel the same way?

So here's my theory.
  Crazy as it may sound, I think we love Paris so much because our prize
 city loves us back ten-fold -- equal to the dearest friend you can find.

  We choose our friends wisely, automatically looking for certain
qualities, important little markers when we meet someone new.

And yes of course, first impressions count.
Just like meeting a new friend, our first impressions of Paris
add up quickly, forming an immediate getting-to-know-you attraction
and growing into a can't-live-without-you connection.
The spell has been cast.

Ask any mom/boss/teacher/psychologist/lonely-hearts-club-single
why we are first attracted to a specific person more than another
and the answer is simple but revealing.
  Who you are and who you are perceived as being -- that fatal
first impression --- is said to imprint in fewer than four seconds. 
Your brand is immediately established.
When we first meet someone, we generate a mental picture,
 a caricature of sorts, in the blink of an eye.

Physical appearance provokes the first impression but before long, voice,
 speech pattern, mannerisms, energy, laugh and body language
contribute to that split second judgement we spontaneously make.
 
No wonder Paris wins the likeability contest hands down.

  Our critical first impression is stellar, the city's beauty and style
captured the second you open your eyes.
  Pretty smile, expressive eyes, straight teeth, good shoes, hair
and skin are likened to an attractive human being.
Likewise, our favorite city's grand boulevards, historic buildings, inventive
 street art and majestic landmarks boast high marks in the looks department.

Almost sinfully beautiful, Paris offers so much more than just good looks.
Much like the friend of your dreams, Paris will make YOU a better you.

  This is where the important stuff counts. 
Aren't we always attracted to someone who is thoughtful, smart,
positive, sympathetic, cheerful, good-natured, wise......
It's a long list because when it comes to our
relationships, we have high hopes.

And when it comes to our belle amie Paris, we know she
clearly gives a damn about us, the hallmark of a true comrade.
  You'll discover a resumé filled with history, drama and unceasing interest. 
Wide boulevards, cobbled streets, animated bars, restaurants,
and magical museums make us feel like we've found the gift of the gods.
Constantly evolving, the city always manages
a surprise or two on every visit.

What does this all add up to?
  It's as simple as how you feel about your own good friends. 
The more you get to know them, the more you want to know.
The perfect friendship -- tète a tète in little cafés,
long lingering dinners, before long you're thick as thieves....
and you don't even need to buy a Christmas present.
And just like a best friend, your relationship with Paris soon
becomes a genuine connection that grows into a life-long attachment.

My advice - Upgrade your social life and add a little spice.
  Make friends with beautiful, charming, unforgettable Paris.
She'll always be there for you.

"Life is what happens when your cell phone is charging."
author unknown

"You've Got a Friend"
Lyrics by Carole King

When you're down and troubled
And you need some love and care
And nothing, nothing is going right
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest night
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running, to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend
If the sky above you
Grows dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind begins to blow
Keep you head together
And call my name out loud
Soon you'll hear me knocking at you door
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there yes I will
Ain't it good to know that you've got a friend
When people can be so cold
They'll hurt you, desert you
And take your soul if you let them, don't you let them
You just call out my name
And you know wherever I am
I'll come running running running to see you again
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend
You've got a friend
Ain't it good to know, ain't it good to know, ain't it good to know
You've got a friend
You've got a friend