The Old Man and the Pretty Girl

The Old Man and the Pretty Girl

     The Old Man, a middle-aged friend and teen-aged grandson stepped into the "Before-thought Inn"  to have their mid-day meal. The Old Man had recommended it, having been there many times before.  It had always felt familiar and comfortable.  So when the first waitress approached, he was taken a-back by the vision that presented itself before him.  It was hard to make out just what it was that he was missing.  It wasn’t Halloween; St. Patrick’s Day was just past. But there in front of him was a vision of “The Fog of War”. Now to do justice to the appearance of this young girl, one must try to visualize what it would look like to see the results of a “Battle of the Fashion Designers” that just happened to have taken place on this particular canvas. (Meaning of course; the girl). The main theme seemed to be “Conflict”, with many examples of; rage, confrontation, non-conventionalism, shock, aggression, and just pure darkness being represented.  The Old Man was just able to conceal his astonishment, but, being a veteran of many of these confrontations, and having had much advice from his wife on those occasions, his experience “held the day”.
     After being seated and having made excuses to his companions, (he had after-all, highly recommended the place) their waitress came.  It was an exercise in opposites… Extreme Opposites.  The “Pretty Girl” standing there in front of them was a “picture perfect example of modesty and wholesomeness”.   The Old Man’s confidence in the future of mankind was restored.  The waitress smiled and welcomed them, took their order and soon returned with their beverages.
     The Old Man was well pleased that such a pretty girl would also present herself in such a modest and an attractive fashion.  Her hair was a natural color in an attractive style… only a little make-up… just enough to enhance her natural features.  Her clothes were in perfect harmony, as thou she had made the same effort as “Conflict Girl, but instead of choosing “weapons of war”, she had chosen “symbols of peace”.
    The Old Man sat there observing the extremes, as they each hurried about taking care of their many customers.  Back and forth they went, both seeming to handle their tasks in an effective way… and busy they were.
     As one might imagine, “Conflict Girl” certainly was the center of attention.  It seemed that everyone had something to say about her, spoken or not.  The Old Man wished that he could say something to the “Pretty Girl”, he though it would be nice for her to get some attention as well, but only the kind that she could appreciate.  He was concerned that such a modest girl would misunderstand his intentions. (The Old Man’s; Mother, Wife and Sister had on many occasions, explained to him what men were like.)   He was also aware that sitting in the next booth were three “Mature Women”, very busy in conversation. (Now women have a keen sense… a heightened vigilance… an alert radar that would very quickly pick-up on any comment that he should make, that could even loosely, be taken as a “Pick-up Line”. After all, he was an old man, and she was a young lady.)  But he was a wise old man, and knowing that his intentions were honorable, he made up his mind.
     The Old Man calculated his plan.  He began to rehearse in his mind, what he would say, and with what level and tone of voice.   He figured that he could indirectly involve the “Three Women” if he could choreograph it just right.  Then for some unexpected reason, his companions left the table for a few moments.  After several minutes, the waitress arrived with the meal. The Old man knew that his remarks had to be just right.  Just as she put the plates down, he said… “I’m and old man, I have daughters probably older than you.  And, I would like to pay you a compliment”… (The Three Ladies conversation halted, as if by royal decree. Now he knew he also had their full and undivided attention.)  He said “would you let me do that?”  With a pleasant, but guarded look, she said …”yes”.
     Then as if by cue, the Old Man’s grandson returned to the table and slipped into the booth. The Old Man continued… “You are a very pretty girl”…  now, with an unexpected waver in his voice “But, your modesty makes you beautiful”.   The girl gave a strange smile, possibly born out of embarrassment, surprise, and maybe just a little delight.  She graciously, but softly said “thank you” and went back towards the kitchen.
     The Old Man noticed that the “three ladies” were leaning in towards each other and speaking very quietly, convincing him that half of his plan had worked, he also knew, that a proper example of how to treat a young woman, and give her a "Real" compliment would not be lost on his grandson.  Now to watch to see if the compliment had had it's intended effect.  ...As he had hoped, the “pretty girl” was gone from the floor for several minutes.  Much longer than she had been gone at any time since the Old Man had arrived.  His hope was, that she needed a moment to regain her composure.  If this was the case, his effort had been successful.
     When she finally did come back on the floor, the Old Man made sure that he did not make direct eye contact with the girl. That would have ruined the effect. He needed to be sure, that his actions were not perceived to  gain some kind of familiarity with the girl.  He knew that the less he did now, the better.  From experience, he also knew that if he ever met “pretty girl” again, it would be important to treat her with the same type of respect that he always showed his daughters.
     For the “girl”, it could then forever be a clean and sincere expression of approval, ...something that we all need from time to time.  The Old man had had his own experiences with the effect of honesty and sincerity... It always seemed to work.
     For the Old Man, he would be able to reminisce, about the time that he made a difference in the life of a modest, “pretty girl”.


“You Are What You Do”