A friend has been telling me stories about one of his coworkers for more than 5 years. He traveled the country as a train hopping hobo, he practices polyamory and he works in the movie industry. For years, I’ve had a picture of him in my head. I pictured Zach Galifianakis.
I told my friend that’s how I pictured his coworker and he said, “Yeah. He does.” So, out of curiosity, I asked my friend to send me a picture of the dude.
I received the picture yesterday. The dude looks more like a cross between Wilford Brimley and Gimli, the Dwarf Warrior from Lord of the Rings.
I know this dude is at least 10 years younger than me, so he’s in his early 40s. Yet he looks like he’s in his 60s. And suddenly it occurred to me, that I probably do not look as young as I think I do either.
In my minds eye, I picture myself as a young looking 40 something guy who is lean and muscular. But, after looking at this guy’s picture, I imagine others look at me and see a thinner, old dude who looks like he’s in his mid to late 50s.
Years ago, when I asked my wife if she thought I looked younger than my age she said, “I love you honey. I think you’re wonderful. But you look just like the 45 year old man that you are.”
So there you have it.
I suppose I should be happy that no one has compared me to Golum yet.