While wandering around the cobbled mediaeval alleys of one European old town full of insouciant cats, I saw a cat poster in a little shop that said:
“Before Coffee : I hate everyone. After Coffee : I feel good about hating everyone.”
I was overcome by an intense desire to possess the poster. I acted on my impulse and I have no regrets about this one. The poster still makes me smile. ( Fortunately – or unfortunately – I do not act on my occasional impulse to possess a dog or a cat – or a human. )
Now the thing about cats is that they seem to have opinions – but no interest in sharing them.
Unlike some humans.
I don’t really hate people. I enjoy the company of people who have stories – the kind where they’re not always the protagonist.
People who light up about an idea, a book, a film, a song, a painting , a performance, a recipe, a moment, or a stranger ( or dog ) they once met. People who listen to the stories ( not opinions) of other people without looking at their phone screens.
Then there are the others.
Every pause is a cue for another opinion. Or a story – about the impact of their own powers, post or presence of mind. Or their rage. Or outrage. Or victim hood .
I once endured dinner beside someone who had three firm opinions and two stories of personal glory .
I had acid reflux afterwards.
Cats don’t push their views.
They’ll watch you taking pictures of your wife instead of them, quietly judge you, and walk away.
If cats were on WhatsApp groups, they’d be silent. Or leave silently.
No dramatic exit. No broadcast messages. Just gone.
People with opinions? They’re always around.
Cats, I respect.
Dogs, I love.
People ?
Depends on the conversation – or the coffee.
⸻
CoffeeThoughts
CatsOverPeople
OpinionOverload
DogLoverCatRespecter
BeforeCoffeeAfterCoffee
StorytellersNotSoapboxes
SilentJudgementIsAnArt
LifeWithAFilter
An ordinary life 
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