Second Chance
One of the biggest mistakes in my life has to have dismissed crab rangoons after trying it only once. The first time I tasted one of those deep fried cream cheese filled wontons was from the Galaxy Restaurant in Cranston, RI (which isn't the same after the new ownership) when I was about 11-12 years old and I was forced to eat it by my brother. But back in the day, I hated to prove my brother right so I bit into the crab rangoon with absolutely no chance of it being tasty. It wasn't good, though it may have been soggy because it was take-out. After giving then a second chance, I am now a crab rangoon fanatic!
More recently, I've seen more and more people give things only one try and judge it entirely based on that one time. Just think about software; if the experience is poor out of the gate, the chance the user will come back is low. Many of us are quick to judge everything, negatively and positively. That's why first impressions are neither good or bad. It seems natural to do this and stay attached to that point of view because of stubbornness.
That's the beautiful thing about life, your opinions may change with "maturing". I've learned to enjoy a wider variety of things than I did as a kid, especially in food that I eat. I hated wearing jeans until like junior year in high school because I never owned a comfortable pair before than; I wore khakis and corduroy pants all the time. I didn't enjoy Seinfeld and Cheers but giving them a second chance transformed my list of favorite television shows. Since I was very self-conscious growing up, I forced myself to restrain my glee for 90's boy bands and other great artists. Now, I can enjoy all the 90's music without having to hide anything on the new great 90's radio station. I'm so lucky like I'm a star, ain't nothing but a heartache. Life is much more pleasant when you appreciate and love whatever it throws at you; it is too short to despise too many things (so choose wisely). And don't about it as settling because it's not; it's about developing as a person.
Things that I want to give another chance:
1. Coconut- In my mind, I still hate the flavor and texture.
2. Windows 8 on a tablet.
3. Evernote- The first time I used Evernote, I really disliked it; that was over 3 years ago on my iPod touch. But I do have Google Keep now...
4. Snowboarding
5. Roller-coasters
6. Learning Spanish
7. 10,000 B.C. the movie (not really!)
Anything else?
One thing I've been giving a chance everyday, that many people enjoy, is driving but I can't seem to find the same gratification; I even have the best car in the world! Love you Electra!
Remember to give second chances! (There are some situations where you shouldn't though)