We all know a guy who we don’t have a single problem with. You’ve always been cool with him. You see him around from time to time with mutual friends, but don’t associate enough with him to know his name. He’s always been “that guy” to you— that person that you give glance and an acknowledging nod when you two run into each other on the street. You hardly ever think of him. You hardly even know him.
But suppose you’re driving in a storm at night - it’s practically impossible to see through the sheets of rain smashing onto the windshield. The rain’s so heavy, your windshield wipers barely help at all. But somehow you are able to spot someone standing alone by a pedestrian sign. Although it’s almost pitch black outside, you realize it’s that guy. You can’t quite remember his name, but you’re cool with him and he’s an alright guy. Being the good samaritan you are, you roll down the window and yell out across the street if he needs a ride.
“Sure,” he shouted back. He runs from across the street and jumps in.
You guys talk for a bit and he thanks you for the ride. You guys start talking about stuff at school, other friends, sports, random things. He confesses about how he’s heard a lot about you and has been meaning to get to know you since he thinks you’re a cool guy. You feel flattered but slightly embarrassed that he knows who you are, but you on the other hand don’t even know his name. So you politely tell him that you have never gotten his name.
Silence was all that replied.
Thinking you’ve upset him, you start apologizing and turn to him.
It’s you.
Learn to like yourself.
