What’s your perspective? Which one of these stickers is the right way up?
- Ingrid Lotze
- Feb 25, 2023
- 3 min read

@ingridlotze and @gavinmoffat had “7 t-shirts each” stickers made at the beginning of their journey to brand the social media posts they anticipated making.
Each placed their own sticker on their laptop cover. They agreed it was to go in the middle - over the decal so as not to promote a single brand. But the results were different.
Which one of them got it right? What is "right" or "correct" for one person, is wrong for another. A favourite question we ask is - “how is this like your life?” and the answer, in this case, is - “it is a mirror for so much in this Nomad / Work / Lifestyle. The saying “different strokes for different folks” perfectly illustrates the upsidedown sticker in this image - but which one is upside down? It is also important to remember that it’s not just about the perceived incorrect placement of a sticker. As the saying goes ‘one man’s meat is another man’s poison’ so in general terms, what is pleasing for one person may be distasteful or harmful for someone else. We have been reminded over and over again through our travels to respect and accept differences and acknowledge diverse attitudes, behaviours, approaches and norms. Some of the things we’ve initially found surprising and have learnt to accept in India
Spitting on the street
In general, in many eating establishments, different meals ordered at the same time seldom arrive together
Stray animals are everywhere and with it goes their feaces
Driving is generally crazy but you get used to it Rules include:- * take the gap * trust someone behind you will slow down * just keep moving - stopping causes accidents * if we have a near-miss accident it’s okay - because there was no accident so no need for emotions * park anywhere people will go around you
Hooting is how you tell people you’re coming through. It’s part of the driving requirements
No sidewalks to walk on
There is no such thing as polite waiting your turn. If there is a gap take it, because if you don’t, someone else will
The first time Gavin and Ingrid were patiently waiting their turn in a queue and people started pushing ahead they were indignant. The more time spent in India the more they learnt how to own the space and take the gap. It’s not rude. It is just how things are done. The most helpful approach in each new country is to stand back and watch what the locals are doing. The locals will be carrying umbrellas when the sky is blue because they know it’s going to rain later. Locals know where the best food is and they’ll be queuing outside for their share. Locals will swing wide on a street to avoid a hazard - always follow their line. Foreigners may go to another country with their own sensibilities and expectations of what is right and what should be done, or what could be done better. It is all about perspective. Neither is right nor wrong. The numeric 6 I see on this side of the page looks like a 9 to you sitting on the other side. Maybe we’re both right and moving towards understanding each other’s perspectives will benefit both of us. #Curiosity #Connection #Inclusion ---------------------------------
@ingridlotze & @gavinmoffat. Wife and husband. Business partners. Adventurers. Scuba divers. Luggage only fits 7 t-shirts each. https://linktr.ee/7tshirtseach
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#Diversity #YourRightIsMyWrong #7tshirtseach #nomadworklifestyle #nomad #digitalnomads #nomadcouple #thetravellingnomads #worldnomads #nomadiclifestyle #nomadstories #Resilience
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