Old White Folk Story

[No Vested Interest]

12. I call myself a "senior" - just vague enough

to keep those who are repulsed by exact number of years at bay.

As a result of living so many years, I feel as though I have seen every variety of facial structure - especially of the Caucasian variety, but also of the African-American variety. Other races , especially Asian, not so much.

Therefore, when I am in public places, I often cannot tell if that face over there is one I know personally, or just resembles one I have known. This is especially true in my home area, where I have lived most of my life; however, it can also happen in other places that I am visiting.

I get past this by smiling, nodding, and/or saying "How are you?"/"How have you been?" to many people. Their response frequently, but not always, tells me if I do really know this person.

It really does not matter in the large picture - I am, like you, just passing through.