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About this quote

What does it mean?
Some people appear welcoming but are actually unavailable or disinterested when approached.
In plain terms
Looks can be deceptive because someone might seem friendly but not want to meet.
What can you take from it?
Be wary of friendly appearances that hide unavailability.

Where it applies

  • social networking
  • business meetings
  • dating

Putting it to work

  • verify availability
  • read body language
  • ask directly

Questions to consider

  • Have you been misled by a friendly look?
  • How do you check if someone is open?

Another view

Sometimes people are simply busy rather than deliberately avoiding contact.

More from William Cowper

  1. The solemn fop; significant and budge; A fool with judges, amongst fools a judge.

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  2. I pity bashful men, who feel the pain Of fancied scorn and undeserved disdain, And bear the marks upon a blushing face, Of needless shame, and self-impos'd dis…

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  3. I cannot talk with civet in the room, A fine puss-gentleman that's all perfume.

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