Have you ever gotten into someone’s car that looked and smelled like the bottom of a purse? It may have been dusty and dirty, with papers and candy wrappers scattered on the floor, as well as a forgotten tube of lipstick. The back seat was loaded with junk. After moving things around to find room for your feet, you climbed in for the ride, and carelessly tossed a Kleenex on top of the other trash. The owner showed irritation, and you were suprised. It certainly had looked as if she could care less. Why else would all that stuff be lying around?
In contrast, when you got into a car that was well maintained and tidy, with supple, conditioned seats and a fresh, clean scent, you felt quite differently. There was a certain sense about the car and what you could do in it. Did you carelessly drop anything on the floor? Or did you take the time to look for a place for your Kleenex or gum wrapper? Perhaps you even held it in your hand until you could find a trash can.
In each car, you picked up on an underlying message. You made an assumption of value regarding your surroundings. When the car was well taken care of, the message of worth reached you loud and clear. It made you want to keep the car looking good.
Which message are you sending about yourself?
