If you know much about me, you'll know that I am a poor writer and an even worse public speaker. The thrust of my feeble attempts to communicate with other humans is generally (and most effectively) done via anecdotes or short concise lists. With this in mind, please allow me to share with my faithful readers (all 3 or 4 of you) a post that is long overdue, and one that I could never fully do justice.
In short: the man's name is David James Keen. My best friend and confidant of about 7 years this February.
Consider this anecdote:
David and I were in NYC in April pontificating over a few cold ones at a small pub in the West Village. 'Twas a lovely Manhattan evening and the smells of the early Spring impregnated the air. To my surprise, one of the most beautiful women I have seen in Manhattan sat down at the table adjacent to us. Virtually everyone male in the room noticed her--she was that kind. You know, the kind of girl whose beauty is so imposing it demands all of your attention. I, of course, NEVER approach women--far too shy for such a thing--and immediately dismissed the idea of some embarrassing, failed attempt to speak with her. David pleaded with me over and over to talk to her, but I wouldn't hear of such a thing. Finally he had somehow managed to talk me into approaching her, apologizing for the interruption, and kindly telling her that she was beautiful and she should know that. I thought this sounded plausible. I mean, what woman doesn't want to hear that she is beautiful--that is, in a non-creepy, completely appropriate manner? So, after much reluctance, I thought, "What the hell? I've never done this and I'm in NYC with my best friend for god's sakes. What's the worst that could happen?--I come off as a creepy bastard? Then she would merely know the truth about me?" So, I did it.
In short, it was a success! She was delighted to hear my compliment and even told me that she especially needed to hear that tonight after the terrible day she had had. We made some small chat beyond pleasantries and then I left. No exchange of numbers or a request for anything in return. Simply a kind smile and a compliment. Makes me wonder how others will respond to genuine kindness.
David, this post is for you. Without you, I would lack a significant amount of confidence--especially when it comes to women. In the end, please consider this list(see below) as a token of my love and reasons as to why I am indebted to you.
10. He honks and "deuces" every pedestrian on the road.
9. He lets me call him any pet name I may desire, e.g. "ol' biggin" "Tank" "Bossman" "Blossman" "Rev the Tank" et cetera
8. He is an evangelical that actually thinks
7. He let me live at his house for free during the summer of '08
6. He's someone with whom I share a love for IPA's
5. He's a man of conviction and faith to a degree that I wish I possessed
4. He went streaking at my college graduation
3. I'm always more confident around him
2. I met my last girlfriend because he introduced us when I was too afraid to approach her--which turned out to be short-lived but a great thing with a great young lady
1. He knows every single one of my shortcomings and still loves me unconditionally
