The little witches and goblins will be on the prowl soon, getting those yummy, sugary treats that will have them grinning like jack-o-lanterns, and their parents gritting their teeth as the sugar high commences!  They are so cute - and occasionally a little scary.

But what about the real-life scary people?  Yes, it's Free For All Friday, and Halloween, so what better time to take on the every day scary people?  Also known as the hopelessly obnoxious!

This past Wednesday night, I was watching Bravo's Top Design.  This is a show that has been on several seasons now; but I haven't really paid it any attention until just recently.  And this season, I just started watching about six weeks ago.  But that was plenty long enough to have me shouting with glee when the uber-obnoxious, immature Eddie got whacked on the last episode.

Now, he might be a nice guy in person, I don't know - don't really care.  And I totally get that TV producers LOVE the folks that are outrageous.  Yes, it's good TV - understood.  But here's the deal: (for those who don't watch the show and don't give a rip) this guy Eddie, was a rude, catty, immature little jerk, with an ego the size of Mount Rushmore.

It's one thing to have confidence in your talent and abilities, and express that.  It's quite another to dismiss out of hand, the advice and critique of professionals who have already made their names and are acknowledged as tops in their fields.

But beyond the massive ego (a sure sign of insecurity and immaturity right there) - the nasty, pre-adolescent behavior exhibited was staggering.  And chances are, you either do, or have had, the misfortune of working with someone like this.  Example: a lovely young man on the show (the youngest of the remaining contestants) has now won, something like, three challenges in a row.  Preston is polite, professional, and  a good designer with exquisite taste. 

So who was the target of obnoxious Eddie's ire?  Who did he constantly put down and make fun of?  You got it - the delightful, "stay focused on the task at hand" Preston.

OK, so why am I even writing about this?  As far as I'm concerned, huge moral to the story here.  Who's going to hire the obnoxious jerk to design their home?  Does he have talent?  Definitely. But why hire the toad, when there are princes out there? Just like any other industry, in the design sector there are loads of immensely talented people - people who are also lovely, and a joy to work with.  So there's no need to put up with a ridiculous personality.

A while back in a Style Source Fave segment, I featured a book by noted DC designer, Darryl Carter.  Guess what?  I've never heard anything about him but praise - how delightful he is to work with.  Hm...  Eddie the toad, needs some lessons from the professionals.

So now, to end my rant: there is no need (and no place) for immaturity in the workplace (or anywhere else for that matter.)  You want to be scary: I'll give you one day - today, Halloween - and that's it!  The rest of the year: grow the heck up.

Happy Halloween!