And he's a genuinely intimidating guy who's originally from India, but has been living here for 6 years. He understood my su-thern accent expertly, but I did have to ask him to repeat himself on a few occasions. It isn't very often that I dialogue with someone from South Asia.
It was humorous when he told me his name. There was this hesitation. Obviously, it's difficult to pronounce, therefore he's adopted a pseudonym.
We chatted tonight for about 3 to 4 minutes on the gym floor. He was walking in my general direction when I made a point to extend a hand of friendship in lieu of just staring off into the distance (which I'm sad to admit is my typical modus operandi). I always stretch for a number of minutes before I workout, therefore he commented on that. It was apparent he appreciated my singling him out. What chutzpah this guy must have to live here of all places and to faithfully work out at the Y amongst all of us Mississippi rednecks.
I found out what he does for a living and vice versa, and he asked where I lived, how often I worked out at the Y, etc. And then the conversation was over. But, I'm pretty sure he would have talked longer had I continued querying him. And this gives me hope that we can pick up where we left off in the future.
In looking back, I wished I'd asked him about his faith despite the awkwardness of that presupposed question. Perhaps I'll be brave enough to ask Harry that question next time around. And from there, maybe we can get together away from the gym and have coffee. That would be awesome!
I still do feel some anxiety about him now knowing where I live, and I'm ashamed to admit that.
Help me Lord to not be a bigot.
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