Over the past 20 years, it has been a long time since anyone described me in words. However, back then, not just one, but two different waiters innocently asked me this question, and I might add, a year or so apart, at two different restaurants.
Waiter #1: Excuse me, sir, but has anyone ever told you that you look like Fred Flintstone? Really! Yabba Dabba Doo! Jackie Gleason, the character’s inspiration, weighed at least 30 pounds more than I do and was significantly older. And just to clarify, he has been deceased for almost 10 years! Don’t even get me started on John Goodman, who played Fred Flintstone in the movies.
Around the same time, a woman passing by my wife’s cubicle at work—whose name is not to be mentioned—said, “Did anyone tell you your husband looks like Fred Flintstone?” Really! The next day, when I called her office, I started with, “Hello! It’s Fred Flintstone calling. Just wanted to say Yabba Dabba Doo! Have a good day!”
Waiter #2: About a year later, this particular waiter, who was also a young man, asked me, “Did anyone ever tell you that you look like the guy from Star Trek? Ahh! William, something or other?” I replied, “You don’t mean William Shatner?” He responded, “Yes, that’s the guy!” I informed the young man that William Shatner is 25 years older than I am, and, although he’s in a bit better… “He quickly added, likely thinking about his tip, “I mean in his younger days!” My response was, “Good recovery, Skippy!” However, every time we needed bread or more water, if he was within earshot, I would politely pull out my wallet and say in my best urgent Captain Kirk voice, ” Skippy, beam us up some more bread… and water!” The other patrons seemed to enjoy this. He laughed, and we still tipped him a bit over 20%.
Point to Ponder: I originally planned to title this as being “Tall, Dark, and Handsome.” I’m still hoping someone will see me as a Christopher Reeve type from my youth, similar to a Clark Kent character with hidden strength. Ultimately, it’s not so much how others perceive you, but rather how you see yourself and find happiness in your own skin that truly gives you strength. LOL
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