The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Enjoying life from the sidelines

- Smt. Sujatha Rao

Many of us are shy human beings wanting to keep to ourselves most of the time. We would rather blend in than standout at a party. In a world of boisterous people, we often feel like miserable wallflowers.

However, the wallflower is a European plant with fragrant, colourful flowers blooming in early spring. Figuratively, it stands for an introverted type of a person who actively avoids being in the limelight.

I have been one such wallflower in many respects. Now that I am into my mid-sixties, I have come to realize that being a wallflower is not so bad, since it comes with its own perks after all.

For one thing, it gives you a vantage point to observe the goings on, while shielding you from the discomfort of being under constant public scrutiny. You can afford to let your hair down, be at your most comfortable awkward and messy self. Come on! Who is watching you anyway?

Aren't you happy to get that ringside view to the world, and also have the freedom to amuse yourself to no end? Oh boy, don't I love this one plus one free offer with my middle class Indian mentality!

Contrast this with the mental trauma of people under the spotlight. The poor souls are often bogged down by the pressure of not only having to perform at their best, but also to look their best at all times, as they don't know when and what the shutter bugs will capture, which is like having to face a double whammy.