Unicorns, Tooth Fairies, and Guys That Ask First

Wow. I think I have come face-to-face with a somewhat mythical being of immense magnitude.

I recently met a man who asked for a couple of my photos. Photos of me. They're photos I have posted everywhere, so it's not like THAT or anything. I said sure, and sent them via text.

Next thing I know, I get a phone call. He wants to use it for something, and he wanted to know which one I liked the best. Let me repeat that. He ASKED me which one I like the best.

So, before he blasted it all over social media, he asked my permission to use my photo, and only the one I liked. He asked for my approval.

Holy Cows of India, I almost fell off my chair.

See, I have had so many conversations in the past with other men in my life about posting photos of me or of us online, about their randomly posting whatever they wanted without even asking. If I wanted the whole world to know what I looked like after opening one eye and pre-coffee, I would post them myself, dammit. I have just as much vanity as the next person in that I don't want really horrible photos shared with my adoring public (insert snort here).

So, I chose a "safe" photo...my hair looked good, the wrinkles weren't so prominent, and I'm drinking a beer....perfect. An approved photo. Why is that so hard to understand? We've all got bad photos, but why must we share them all? Let's just share the good ones. I won't share the ones of you when you're drooling in your sleep, your ever-increasing bald spot or that beer belly that looks like you swallowed watermelons whole. I'll be kind. You do the same.

It's called respect.