Brilliant … But Bouncy

Do You Want Ice?

Shane had a few friends over last week, and he was responsible for all of the host duties.

“Get your friends something to drink,” I said, as I left the teens alone with their pizzas. I went to my computer, and they went out to our garage refrigerator, where the soda is kept. Moments later, they were back in the kitchen.

I heard Shane say, “Do you want a breakable cup or a non-breakable one?”

There was a pause; I couldn’t hear the response.

“Do you want a big cup, a small cup, or a medium-sized cup?”

Another pause. Then: “Do you want ice?”

Pause. “Okay, do you want cubed ice, crushed ice or a mix of cubed and crushed ice?”

At that point, one of his friends laughingly said, “Shane, why are you so specific? Why don’t you just get a cup and put some ice in it?”

And while it was funny… from the other room I thought, Because he wants to do it right.

I totally understood why he was asking all those questions; he wanted his guests to be happy. And because Shane cares about the little details for his own cup, he asked his guests about details for their cups.

I think there are a lot of people who wouldn’t understand this tactic.

But I do, because I care about my cup, too. In fact, I drink almost exclusively out of a water bottle, even when I go out. I carry it with me everywhere I go; I feel naked without it. It’s not breakable, which means I can toss it around without worry. And it’s just the right size.

I absolutely detest ice, but if I have to use it to make something sufficiently cold, I prefer the crushed style.

But my point is: Shane grew up with someone who is particular. And he’s always enjoyed even the smallest opportunities to choose what he likes best.

So of course, when his friends came over, he treated them the way he wants to be treated. Shane lives by The Golden Rule.

Best of all, his friends were laughing about this peculiarity. They weren’t laughing at him; they were laughing because they understood that Shane is just … Shane.

That’s when I realized that he has some good friends. They totally get Shane; he gets them. And that is what matters the most in friendship.