Give it to me...

Straight.

It doesn't seem like too much to ask, unfortunately in this day and age - it is for many. So few have the courage to tell it like they see it, fear of being politically incorrect or offensive or the object of anger or, or, or - there are too many excuses why it's better to beat around the bush, instead of pointing to the places which are either stunting growth or blooming beautifully.

Tonight I had a wonderful, fun-filled and surprising evening out with friends.
Surprising because an old friend and crush of mine showed up, whom I haven't seen in over two years. My crush on him is so old it's now an inside joke between us and our mutual friends.

This man, however, is one of those who always gives it to me straight. Whether it's something hard for me to hear or an affirmation of something I was confused about or a comment on something good about myself I hadn't seen. He doesn't need prompting from me, he just looks around, observes and absorbs as much as possible, then quickly comes to conclusions. Usually these are dead on, whether they are about me or anyone else.

He's tricky, he acts lazy and like a dumb good ole boy from Grand Junction - but he is the sharpest and smartest man I have met when it comes to psychology, riddles and piecing together the intricate puzzles people assemble between themselves and others. I have always been a bit awed by how quickly he can make such accurate assessments of those around him.

Tonight was not any different. We talked one on one for a time. He was sharp and straight to the point on many things with me, but always with that lazy smile. The kind of smile that belongs to the dreamy boy next door, it puts you at ease and gives you the vapors, even while he's skinning you alive. He confirmed a bunch of things which I have been confused about, it brought me some peace of mind.

The best part is that he initiates these talks, I never have to ask "So what do you think about...?" He just turns to me and says "Now correct me if I'm wrong but..." or "Is it just my imagination, but I could swear that..."

No wonder my crush on him has never faded, though with so many years between it's evolved to the adoration of a brother and person I hope will always keep reappearing in my life from time to time.

You know, come to think of it - between him and Gabe, they were the ones who told me time and again "You're a smart girl, you should give yourself more credit." They both pushed me to learn where my mental strengths are and taught me how to use them. Without either of them in my life I wouldn't be the woman I am today. He helped onto the road of self-realization and empowerment. The whole time using a silly role playing game as the means to get the message across.

I have amazing friends and I'm starting to get that they think the same thing about me.