Recently, after a few years living in the dark recesses of mental health, I have begun to venture out for evenings of beer, fun and music. I must say its like being reborn and a breath of fresh air. Yes I do like it.

I have  noticed, however, a change in attitudes of people especially the young. Maybe its my age, the way I look or just a mixture of everything that was there always but I didn’t notice it.

Take last night for example, I was walking home and a very pretty young girl (on her own!!!) stopped me and asked if I had a spare cigarette. As it happened I did so one was passed over. Then I was asked for a light which I also could oblique. Nothing too strange about that but we started chatting and laughed and had fun (in the biblical sense and a chaperone, if present, would have been happy with our behaviour). Another situation of note was a week or so ago. I stepped out to walk into town and a young lass asked me to walk with her as she was nervous about being whistled at by some kids from an open window. So I accompanied her to safety.  No drama and no funny stuff; just simple help but what made her think I was a safe bet? In my mind I must have been the archetypal example of someone to steer away from and told by teachers and parents to be wary of.

My point is that why me? Does my aura give off “Mr. Trustworthy and no Mssrs Threat” or are these kids just living on the edge of danger without thought for their safety? Even friend’s children find an affinity with me and I get called uncle Frog for just being me and easy going. I place no judgement or shock at their revelations and I do get to hear some truths that they say they can’t talk about with friends or family. So why choose me? I’m no priest or monk. I don’t display angel wings or have a saintly halo hovering above my noodle. I’m simply a man with a round belly and a small stature.

Its beautiful and humbling but strange as I look like every other geezer who happens to be out and about but I don’t see them receiving the same attention. The girl yesterday walked passed two or three single men and women so why pick me out from them? Yes I was flattered and she said I was handsome (bonus points for that) and I did find her pretty but way too young but grown up for her age. She poured out her darkest and brightest feelings though which I listened to. Did I judge or hand out advice? No but gave her my life’s experience to give examples of how I dealt with similar situations.

Maybe my calling is to be a man of the cloth or a councellor?

I think I could have a mild form of touretes though as I just can’t help complimenting girls on being pretty, having nice hair, liking their clothes or just being sexy at random times. I’ll even comment on guys too but only in a non-sex way. But the most startling thing is that almost everyone smiles and finds it brilliant. It cheers me up and them. Is it confidence or just a brain chemical inbalance? Who knows or give a …..? They don’t (hopefully) and I certainly don’t.

I guess it keeps me from being alone.

Anyway, I just thought I would share my thoughts and adventures with whoever bothers to read my bore.