Numbers and Niceties.
On Facebook yesterday, a meme went across the social networking site asking people to send private messages with a code number, and the person receiving said messages would post status updates with that number and their thoughts regarding the person who sent it to them. I did a bunch of these, and people seemed to like them, even though they tended to fill up people’s news feeds. Here, I’ve reposted all of them, as I received a few tremendous compliments about the writing behind them. Enjoy, and if you know me personally, perhaps you can guess who some of the people are.
Okay, I’ll play this game. Send a number to my inbox that represents you (i.e. 31, 942, etc.) and I’ll let you know what I think of you. For example, “31 – Your hair is pretty, and while I’ve always considered us friends, I wouldn’t let you babysit my houseplants.” They may be slightly more reverent, however.
7 – You know more about a particular subject than anyone else I’ve ever met, and while in some ways that might be a curse, it’s also quite a gift. If knowledge (about a variety of subjects) were worth money, you’d be a millionaire. As a writer, I admire your incredible output and work ethic, and can really only strive to hit your levels. I hope I one day know half as much as you do about this stuff.
47 – You’re a beautiful, kind(ish) person that I don’t see enough of. I know that following your passions and talents has been a long, not always direct road, but perhaps that’s because you have so many. Ultimately, I hope that you find contentment and happiness, because it’s certainly what you deserve. Oh, and the “ish?” It’s for all the “Bite me”s. 
43 6/8 – You’re remarkably talented and driven, but that second part may be your curse. You know exactly what you want, and that’s great, but I only hope that you don’t end up with your heart broken. The business needs people with your love and dedication, and I hope that, no matter what setbacks you face, you do eventually break through, at least enough so that it makes you happy.
420 – You’re quirky and interesting, and I’d settle for having just a little bit of your talent. I know that when I see you, you’ll always be warm and funny, and I’ll always get my money’s worth watching you perform, too, which isn’t something I can say about everyone I see onstage. I respect you tremendously, and think that you’re the proverbial knees of the bees.
43762 – Theatrically, you’ve likely given me more opportunities than I deserve, and some of my favorite performances have been under your direction. Your love and knowledge of the arts is legitimately inspirational to me, and I only hope that I’ve never let you down in any of the chances I’ve given you.
82.666 – I hope you find your happiness, as you’re a good kid with a big heart and, if memory serves, incredible friends who love you to death. No matter what happens, I know that your creativity and kindness will take you to great things, even if the road is bumpy and seems to go nowhere at first. As all the kids are saying now, it gets better. Here’s hoping that things are good now.
331 – One of the highlights of my theatrical re-emergence of the last few years has been getting to know you and your family. For some bizarre reason, you seem to really like me, and I absolutely love talking to you about a variety of topics wherever we encounter one another. Your passion for life is really beautiful, and I’m always, always happy to run into you at whatever wacky function brings us together.
3.14 – Everybody loves pie. While I’ve only met you once, you seem like a nice, funny person who has personality in spades. However, I think that our mutual friend was confused about what exactly your relationship was with him, and that might be on him, or it might be on you, but it was a bit odd. I hope everything makes sense to everyone now, though.
345 – Last I checked, you were a sweet kid trying to find your exact path. I know that you had a few issues regarding an older sibling, and I can’t speak for them, but I know that you were really, really incredible at being you, and that was plenty good enough for everyone who knew you. I hope that school is treating you well, and as long as you don’t betray who you are, you’ll be better than fine: you’ll be great.
1.618 – While I wouldn’t describe us as close, if I were lost in the woods with only a pen knife and pants that I’d already peed with fear and hopelessness, you’re the one I’d trust most to McGyver our way out of there. Everyone knows that you’re smart with a wicked sense of humor, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed talking to you at a wedding not too long ago. Good to know for the future.
77 – Beautiful, conventionally and unconventionally, if such a thing as possible. You’re also a highly motivated actress, and a fine one at that. It’s a shame that our paths haven’t crossed more often in the theater, but no one knows what the future may hold. I know that you’ve had some very rough times these past few years, but whenever I see you, there’s a light that’s as bright as the first day I met you.
33 – When I first saw you act, I’ll admit that I was unsure, but it was incredible how you took such thankless roles and made them really memorable. Plus, your dedication and obvious love for what you were doing was nothing short of astounding, as you were just so happy to be there performing while ingrates like me bitched about my lack of lines. I wish I had half of your dedication, and a quarter of your heart.
1192.2 – You’re one of my best friends, and while seven or eight years ago that would have been bizarre to me, I can’t imagine not knowing you anymore. We chat so often that my wife thinks I’m having an affair with you, and I know that every conversation with you is going to be fascinating and likely hilarious. Seeing you blossom into your field has been a joy to watch, and, ofttimes, it is an honor to know you.
i – Don’t tell anyone, but you may well be the favorite amongst her friends. Sure, you’re smart, but our conversations are an absolute blast, as I learn something new about the universe just about every time we meet up. You also have a wacky enough sense of humor that you find my jokes funny, which automatically bumps you up a few points, anyway.
23 – As you pointed out, I haven’t seen you in at least ten years, but I can still appreciate the fact that you make music, and release albums; as far as I’m concerned, that makes you a rockstar. It’s more than I’ve done, and it’s pretty amazing. Not every relationship from elementary school survives, but if you ever want to catch up when you’re in Central Jersey, give me a holler and we’ll meet up for a cup.
68 – All those years ago, I would have never predicted that you would be the writer and film buff that you are today. I love writing, but the way that you love movies is the way that I only wish I could love something (besides my wife, of course), and the delicate hand you take with writing about them is beautiful. I know you’re capable of incredible things, and I can’t wait to read them.
56 – Honestly, I admire you. You’re great at all of the important things that I want to do, and, from what I can tell, manage to be a great guy and an incredible father while doing so. If I see your name attached to something, I know that it will be excellent. The only downside is that you’re so goddamn humble about everything, and are incredibly easy to talk to about a variety of subjects. Jerk.
609 – You’re one of my best friends, and I’m honored that you value my input and opinion. You are one of the only people in the world that I feel completely comfortable speaking to. You’re impossible to offend, but I’m glad we’re not really trying to offend each other anymore with shock humor. Above all, you’re a good man; a really good man that handles responsibility like a swordsman handles his blade.
123 – You once went out of your way to be as unlikeable as possible to people like me. From what you’ve told me as of late, that’s changed, and I assume it’s because you feel like you’re in a happier place now. I hope that you’re happier, and that you have a solid idea of how you’d like to make your way in the world. You have the potential to be great, and I hope that you fulfill every drop of that potential.
64 – You’ve done something that I’ve always wanted to do, and that’s live in a foreign country for an extended period of time. I’m jealous. You’re remarkably funny and dedicated to whatever you set your mind to, and while we’re perhaps not terribly close, I’ve always had a ton of respect for you.
724 – I’m incredibly proud of you, if a bit jealous. You’ve accomplished more than I’ve been able to in less time in essentially the same field, and you should be lauded for those accomplishments, but it is slightly hard for me to admit such things. Still, my failings should not override your successes, and you should be proud as well. Also, I’m exceedingly happy with our relationship these days
128 – You’re a really, really good person who deserves incredible things to happen to her. You also have one of my favorite names, but that’s neither here nor there. If you had the time or the inclination, I would absolutely love to catch up, because I’ve always found you interesting and fun, and it’s a shame that we didn’t develop more of a friendship than we did.
88 – I hope the music thing works out for you, as you just seem to be so head over heels in love with it. You’re a good guy with a quirky sense of humor and a ton of drive to succeed, so it would be tragic for you not to, at least in that particular arena. If nothing else, I hope you keep writing stuff that makes you happy, regardless of who ends up liking your music or not.
3.145 – While you’re responsible for some of the more…interesting days from high school, I’m glad that you’re following your passion, even if it’s just something for the weekends. I know that the last year or so has been rough, but here’s hoping that your quasi-new relationship and the love of your daughter will keep you going when the weather is cold and the reflections sit heavy on your brow.
271828 – You’re more talented than you initially let on: you set design, you direct, you act, and you teach a subject I can barely wrap my head around. It sometimes troubles me that I’m not working with people of your caliber on a daily basis anymore, but such is life. I know that whatever endeavors you’ll strive towards, you’ll succeed, simply because you’re just that good.
4 – You’re one of the smartest, hardest-working people I know, and you let your geek flag fly in the most glorious ways that I know of. You’re also one of those people that I desperately wish I was closer with, and hope to foster a stronger friendship than what we have now. If I have any criticism, it may be that you’re not quite sure what you want. You’ve had some jobs, and they’ve worked or haven’t worked to varying degrees, and now you, like me, are in flux. Hopefully, we can work on something together, as it might give us both some level of focus, but you might need to figure out exactly what it is that you want.
4521 – You’re one of the good ones, and if I only had students like you, my teaching career, or what there is of it, would be an absolute dream. You’re driven, passionate, and, above all, good. That word may seem generic, but it’s one of the greatest compliments I can give to anyone. I expect great things from you; I doubt you’ll disappoint.
999,998 – I don’t know what to make of you sometimes, to be honest. Sometimes, I think that you’re a sane person in a sea of fools, and other times I wonder who let you out of the asylum. You have an odd sense of humor, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it may actually take you far. That being said, I don’t know if I can ever wrap my head around everything you are, and I think I’m okay with that.
112 – I haven’t seen you somewhere around 10 years, but based on the few conversations we’ve had since, it seems that you haven’t changed at all, which is great, because you’ve always been pretty great. I know that you’re going through some rough times right now, but know that when you find the guy you want, he’ll be all yours, as you’re remarkably beautiful, both inside and out.
729 – You’ll be joining some distinguished company in a year and change, and I couldn’t be happier. You’re a talented artist whose future just keeps getting brighter, and it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. If nothing else, I look forward to all of the various holiday shenanigans, as I’ll have someone else to talk to that isn’t part of the wacky Lederman horde. Plus, always good to have another quasi-nerd around.
That’s all. It’s far more writing than I certainly intended on doing yesterday, but I hope a few of you enjoyed them.
