Dec 16 2008
Turn And Face The Strange
I met an old school friend of mine for Christmas drinks last night. He’s just back from a year in Australia, so it was great to catch up. In more than one of our conversations last night, I was reminded of how much I have changed over the years. And not small changes either – huge, dramatic personality shifts.
When he first knew me, I was beyond shy. I was nervous, timid and quieter than a corpse. I had the complexion of a corpse too. Skinny, sickly and permanently stressed, I was the polar opposite of what I became by the end of my school days. By then, I was über-confident, cocky even, healthy, talkative (in the extreme), could have most any girl I wanted (and I knew it). I thought I could do anything, be anything.
It wasn’t long before all of that came to a crashing halt around me – reality can be devastating. The person I am now is neither of those people. I’m certainly not shy these days, but I’m not over-burdened with confidence either. I’m chatty when I need to be and would like to consider myself a good listener when required too. I’m sure my relationship with Lottie has given me a grounding I sorely needed, but so too has it given me the opportunity to be free in myself, to take risks and chances knowing that there will be someone to catch me if things go wrong and I fall on my face.
I like who I am now. And, last night, it was interesting to look back over the way I once was and see the journey I’ve taken to be where and who I am today.
Anyway, there’s no great point to this post. It’s just something that was on my mind. Happy Christmas!
I too had no confidence at all in school.
I have a little more now.
still no luck with the ladies.
“I’m pretty sure there’s a lot more to life than being really, really, really ridiculously good looking. And I plan on finding out what that is.”
Just as long as you’re not shy this weekend! You’re pretty much the only way Lottie’s going to be able to see me 🙂
It’s not just over the last few years Darren, but over the last two and all. I like the you you are. I know you do too.
I like you too Darren!
Lucky Lottie, she’s a trend setter, she liked you first, before you were popular and mainstream 🙂
@Chris D – Huh? Are you invisible and Darren holds the magi visibility dust? I can see you right now in fact.
Spooky!
@Jo – I liked him when he was quiet and introverted. I liked him when he was OTTily confident (prick and all that he was) and I really like him now. He makes good tea.
You’re a lucky guy Darren. Just those words by Lottie “I liked him when he was..” say it all really.
@Lottie – Well, yes on the invisible bit. Although you do tend to be able to see me under neon or bar lights…
@Phil We’ll sort you out on Saturday. There’s loads of desperate singletons in Greystones…
@Paddy lmao It took me a while to place the quote.
@Chris I’ll make sure people notice you…Two questions: 1) how do you feel about dressing in drag? 2) Have you met Phil O’Kane before?
@Darragh Shut your ugly face!
@Jo 😆 I sold out!
@Lottie I. AM. SO. LUCKY.
@leCraic Yip, yip, yip!
Dude, uncalled for. On both accounts!
Awwwwwwww Darr!!! Memories!!!!
Happy Christmas – once again I am reminded how glad I am that life brought us back into contact and that I am friends with the lovely Lottie!