A stack of books on your coffee table know you are just using them to impress your guests, and you know what? They are okay with it.
That's right. They know their role.
Be attractive, but not too stunning. Look smart, but not too nerdy. Be bold, but don't overdo it. Be large, but not too big.
Books on modern architecture, fashion photography, or any other topic you have little to no interest in.
They know they are last in line on the entertainment food chain. Even an old magazine might come before them.
They know you have the best intentions to someday crack it open, but understand that life gets busy and you have a lot on your plate right now.
It's okay that instead of reading it, you are watching another documentary on Netflix about game show scandals. This is your second one this week, but hey, who's counting?
Maybe one day it will seem lively enough to grab someone's attention, even if just to relieve your guest's boredom while you go in the bathroom to take a giant shit.
They know they are last in line on the entertainment food chain. Even an old magazine might come before them.
Oh, another hot scalding beverage placed on me? Yeah, that's fine. Or when you stack another pointless book on interior design on top of one? That's cool, too. The more the merrier.
The novels on the bookcase might say they are pathetic and sad, but they see themselves as relentlessly loyal.
They'll be here for you, one day, when you're feeling extremely lonely, and the power goes out and you literally have nothing else to do.
They'll be here for you.