I've been 'That Guy' all my life. When I was a kid, I was the one everyone thought was smart and safe. When I went fishing with buddies, I was the guy who had the knife, and the lighter, and knew the way back.
When I was older, and went shooting with buddies, I was the one who enforced the four rules, and the one parents looked at when they asked if we were going to be safe, and the one who had a first aid kit in his pack.
When I was in the Scouts, I was the instant patrol leader. The one who would round everyone up and get people on task, and who would watch over the kids.
When I was a teenager, I was 'That Guy' with a car. Everyone rode with me. Because I was 'That Guy', parents were okay with us being out. "Sure you can stay out late, as long as 'That Guy' is with you". I was the guy who delivered other guys to their dates. Dates I rarely had, because I was the nice, safe, 'That Guy'.
When I was started working for a living, I was an instant 'That Guy' who got the keys and the responsability.... but never the money to go with it. I was the guy who would always show up early, always work late, and always keep the cash safe.
When I dated my future wife at her all-girls college, I was 'That Guy' who the security guards would let in any time of night. Why not? I was as safe as sunrise.... I was 'That Guy'. Utterly harmless, and reliable, and... boring.
Fast forward through it all.... years and years worth.... and I'm still 'That Guy'. Need a designated driver? Ya.... I'm automatically it. Need the rent paid? I already wrote that check.
Storm coming, need the drains cleared and the chairs put away? Done that already. Need someone to watch your stuff while you go flirt with that other guy? Sure, whatever... I'm 'That Guy'. Need someone to unload all your worries on without it getting around? Yup.. I'm 'That Guy' too. Need an adult around... someone who actually see's the crap that needs doing, and does it? Son of a %$#@!, I'm 'That Guy'.
You know something? It gets old. In fact, it downright sucks at times.
Sure..... spend the bank account dry.... 'That Guy' will just work two jobs and put more money in.
Sure, call in sick....'That Guy' will still show up and run the business.
Sure... do something stupid and get nailed for it..... 'That Guy' will fix it and get you off.
Sure.... just assume 'That Guy' is some sort of smart and reliable eunuch slave.
Let me introduce you to my new favorite word....
NO
4 comments:
Taking responsibility, and being forced to assume someone else's, are two different things. It's never good to let others take advantage of you like that.
Boy, do I wish I did not know EXACTLY what you're talking about.
Same here, and yeah, it sucks...
I don't want to admit this, but I HAVE to admit this: I am "That Guy' but I wasn't always.
Yes, I squandered a few of my formative years thinking that the rules didn't apply to me. As if I were special or something.
After I wised up and decided to play by the rules, life became much more meaningful to me.
I have been "That Guy" now for about 40 years, and I wear the moniker with pride.
That being said, I will not be taken advantage of, nor will I be taken for granted. Neither should you.
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