Next Girl, The Black Keys

Logic and emotion, two ruling forces in human decision making, are so often at odds.  In the crux of every moral, theoretical and personal decision is the simple difference between what should be done, and what feels best.  Where do emotions drive us?  Do they, in the end, move us to where we ought to be?  How many decisions are made based on a "gut" feeling?  Emotions aren't simply the feelings we have for one another - nor are they the vast and descriptive movements of the Earth, through seasons and revolutions, circular and historical.  They can drive us, whether in the direction we go, or in a direction we avoid.  But where does logic play into our decision making?

Impulsive children are lectured on the benefits of thinking things through.  That by giving a decision thought, we will make the better choice.  Can one use logic to dictate their personal feelings for another?  Can we talk ourselves out of missing people because it doesn't make sense?  Can we hold off on real emotions because logic and science tells us it's just hormones?  Can we save a feeling for a more convenient time?  Is it really eradicating the feeling, or just ignoring it?  And when timing becomes convenient, can we force the feeling to come back?

Have you ever met someone and let your gut reaction guide you?  How often is it right, and how many chances do you give to let them prove it?  Whether this is an impulse of good or a negative vibe, in interpersonal interactions, we often rely on our gut when meeting people for the first time.  Is this truly our "first impression" - the warning all parents give their children on the first day of school, the job interview - or is our first impression made up of our own impulses, our own prejudices, our own choices?  Now what if this feeling is negative?  Are we required to give a second chance if we immediately distrust, dislike or disregard them?  Can people change, emotionally or biologically?  The biological is easy - every seven (or so) years, we are literally a different person.  Every cell in our body has replaced itself; the skin, the muscle, the eyeball we had seven years ago is no longer ours.  But does this apply to our psyche?  As we grow and change and mature, we do evolve?  What happens to our core?  Can we really change?

Gut reactions still rule our interactions.  Is the difference between making snap judgments and getting to know a person simply that those who make snap judgments admit to it?  What are the reasons you never hung out with that person a second time, when you really just felt indifferent about them?  That girl from your class, that boy from your gym.  What happened to all your childhood friends that you feel out with?  Was it time or was it change that separated you?