So…today I was just driving down US 41 into Evansville, Indiana minding my own business. I was stopped at a red light when it happened. From the corner of my eye a profile of a guy in the next lane caught my attention. I didn’t even need to turn to see who it was. I knew. I felt it. In an instant I went from feeling pretty darn good to insignificant, inadequate, and downright unattractive.
Who was it, you ask? Well…I’ll not name names because he is known by a few of my readers. I think. I’ve known this guy ever since I moved to Illinois. We met at a swim meet in Fairfield and became instant friends. Even though we lived in different towns we remained close. As we got older, competitive swimming started to become less fun and a little more, well…competitive. He was always a second faster, a smidge better looking, and about a foot taller. During our last meet we were both in the last heat of the last race of the day. This was it…my last chance to not come in second. Alas. At least I was used to second.
As I was preparing to start my freshman year at a nearby private university I received a phone call from this guy. He wanted to know if I would be his roommate. Sure! I was excited to live with someone I knew! But that never happened. I ended up withdrawing from that university due to “creative differences with the administration.” Interpret that how you wish. So this long time friend and rival stayed in contact with me for a bit, but as things go, we fell out of touch.
Every now and then I would think of him, or be reminded of him by a mutual friend. And every time that would happen I would feel insignificant, inadequate, and downright unattractive. I just can’t understand how seeing him at a stoplight by the airport could do this me now! Years after I last thought of him! Grr. The light turned green, I glanced, he glanced. He turned left, and I drove through. Until next time…
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