“Wait wait wait,” he said. “So who knows who? And how do y’all know Ted?” He was a stranger standing on the opposite side of the table with the massive, four-liter jug of vodka lemon on it. Just one of the many characters you meet during the annual city festival.
The four of us laughed at him failing to comprehend how we had met. “These two went to elementary school together. These two went to high school together.” You know. The usual smoke and mirrors of names. Suddenly, he had another question.
“Hold on. How old are you guys?” We each went in turn. “34.” “34.” “Almost 34.” “Well, 34.” His jaw dropped after the first “34” already. “What? No way! You look… No way you’re 34 man!” To be fair, with his dark curly hair, well-groomed stubble, and jovial attitude, Matt really does not look his age. Me? I was humbled by the age credit the guy gave me: “And you?! You don’t look a day older than 22! Damn, you guys have aged well.”
It was a fun moment but also a nice piece of flattery. Everyone laughed, and we moved on. First in the conversation and, soon, to the next table.
You never know where your next compliment might come from. Enjoy them as they find you, and then keep flowing.
