Know What You’re Really Sipping
Captured by Mitchell Royel | Now playing "W" by Koffee & Gunna
Imagine landing in a vibrant Mexican resort, where the sun kisses your skin and the air is filled with the scent of fresh fruit. You step up to the juice bar and order a glass of the freshest, most delicious juice you’ve ever tasted—pure, vibrant, and unmistakably real. Each sip bursts with flavor, a reminder of authenticity and care. It’s juice made from scratch, not from concentrate, and it shows.
Then, back home in the States, you grab a bottle labeled “Not From Concentrate.” You expect that same fresh taste, but instead, it’s watered down, bland, and lacking the soul of the original. The label promises one thing, but the experience tells a different story.
This isn’t just about juice. It’s a metaphor for people—especially the guys we meet. Some are like that fresh-squeezed juice: genuine, full of flavor, and real. Others? They’re “from concentrate.” They come packaged with a polished exterior but lack the depth and authenticity beneath the surface. And that’s okay—as long as you know what you’re dealing with.
We don’t mind “from concentrate” guys, but honesty is key. If someone’s not the fresh-squeezed kind, let them be upfront about it. Here are some tips for handling those “from concentrate” types:
Recognize the difference. Just like you can taste the difference in juice, you can sense when someone isn’t fully authentic. Trust your instincts.
Set clear expectations. If they’re upfront about who they are, you can decide if that’s a fit for you. Don’t settle for someone pretending to be something they’re not.
Protect your energy. Don’t waste time trying to “fix” someone who isn’t willing to be real. Your authenticity deserves to be met with the same.
Celebrate your own freshness. Stay true to yourself and your values. When you bring your genuine self to the table, you attract the right kind of people.
In the end, life is about savoring the real, the raw, and the authentic—whether it’s juice or relationships. So sip wisely, know your worth, and never settle for less than what nourishes your soul.
-Deck