I am Sheldon
He’s So Funny
If I said that I am Sheldon, would you laugh? Would you clap? Would you stick around for twelve seasons and tune in faithfully for 279 episodes? Or would you walk away in disgust? Now that I have given you something to ponder, let me explain.
I typically do not watch situation comedies (also known as sitcoms) on a regular or even occasional basis. The obvious reason is that most of the situations portrayed are simply not funny. Over the years, the one exception in our TV repertoire, concerning sitcoms, had been current season episodes and now reruns of The Big Bang Theory. Though I must admit, lately, when I hear the opening intro, I generally retreat to my room so that Judy might watch the show banter free.
The sporadic canned laughter informs us that Sheldon’s behavior is laughable. However, on more than one occasion, I have remarked that such behavior by a real-world Sheldon would not be dismissed so lightly. Additionally, if a real-world Sheldon treated people as dismissively as the TV Sheldon treats people, I am sure that no amount of background laughter would turn his “lemons” into lemonade. I should know, I too am Sheldon.
That’s Not Funny
I am very opinionated, and I am very controlling. Naturally, I think that my way is the right way, and I have next to no patience. As if that is not enough, I have anger issues. That said, believe it or not, I do try to value the input of others, be a team player, concede when I am wrong, dial back the sense of urgency, and control my temper. Admittedly, some efforts are more successful than others.
I do not make friends easily, and with all certainty can count on one hand (with a few digits left over) the number of friendships that have stood the test of time. That said, it is what it is, and I am who I am. I can only spend so much time apologizing for my actions. Further, I can only beat myself up so much for not being more like Mister Rogers.
In some respects, I have probably been a Sheldon most of my life. Over the years, however, I know that I have honed those attributes razor-sharp. Of course, this honing process, for the most part, has taken place without forethought. Likewise, this honing process has happened without fanfare. So much so that quite often I too am shocked and disappointed by my spontaneous outbursts.
In Closing
I know that we are all flawed to some extent. Some of us are a tad more so than others. Some of us arguably a lot more so than others. I also know that each of us plays an equal and important role in the grand scheme of things. Some of us in ways that are laughable. Some of us in ways that, by no stretch of the imagination, are funny.
As I sit here, reflecting upon my most recent missteps, I envision a kinder and gentler me. With each passing year, I am less confident that such a rebirth will occur. At least not in my lifetime. Perhaps when I am gone, people will eventually be able to look upon my actions in a sitcom sort of way. Until then, I sit here, pondering how long before my next Sheldonesque moment.