Years ago, when I was determined to be the best dancer possible, I would go to a regular dance social on Thursday nights in Dallas.
I wanted to improve so bad.
I also wanted to be a good citizen of a community that was beginning to flourish. If it ain’t a good welcoming vibe, it will never take off.
So selfishly, I danced with every woman in the room.
I got really good at asking. I would cycle through the whole room and then cycle back around again, several more times through the night, until the wheels fell off my feet. Oh, the good old days.
It worked.
Dancing with all types of women from all over the world made me better. But it was also something else. My goal was to give every woman some sense of comfort, especially the new ones. The women who had pushed themselves out the door to be there.
That’s a brave act.
One night, a woman who had become a regular, and a really excellent follow, admitted a little secret.
She said: You know Teevee, I like dancing with you. You’re so kind and easy to follow.
I said: Thank you. You are a smooth and fun dancer. I love how you smile when I throw something new and unexpected at you.
She said: Muchas gracias. You know what?
I said: Oh oh. Qué?
She said: When I first saw you, I didn’t like you. You seemed arrogant and full of yourself.
Me said: Pero, what did I do? I asked you to dance from the very beginning. I tried to make you feel welcome.
(Mind you, this is all happening while in a dance.)
She said: I know. You just looked conceited.
I said: Damn. Ok. Well, I’m glad you know that I’m not those things. I’m actually nervous and anxious every time I step in here too. I guess that looks conceited.
–
I’m grateful that she felt comfortable sharing that little secret.
And that she allowed me the opportunity to see me fully.
She was and still is a sweet human I run into from time to time.
But that moment stayed with me.
My RBF runs strong.
