CLASSON

From page A4

over experience,” which sounds a little snarky, even if it was said by Samuel Johnson in 1791. Clearly, the current century has no monopoly on the snark department.

But I am a big believer in hope and also in change and although I've not seen my ex-husband in quite some time, even looking at the photos, I can tell he has changed and I would imagine that he is hopeful. He does not look like the person I used to know, and I can't imagine why I would wish this virtual stranger anything but the best in his marriage to the woman with sandy feet and a huge smile standing beside him.

My ex-husband's smile is a bit more restrained.

Perhaps he was thinking of Samuel Johnson at the time, or perhaps he didn't like getting his pant cuffs wet in the surf. It is impossible for me to know. And I guess that's the point.

None of us will ever know what goes on in the head of another person. I generally tend to believe what people tell me. Being a person who loves words, I stubbornly insist that what someone says must be the truth, actions to the contrary.

Late in life, I have come to the realization that people say all sorts of things that are not strictly true, and it doesn't mean they are bad people or they are lying. It just means their actions don't live up to their word, for one reason or another.

Small deceptions grow larger until there is really no containing them.

Unexpected developments intervene. Unruly emotions overturn the most fervent intentions. This is what happened to me, but it was a long time ago now.

It involved a virtual stranger who was recently spotted on a beach in the Caribbean with wet pant cuffs and, honestly, I wish him well.

Till next time, Carrie

Carrie Classon is a writer and performer. She is the author of “ I’ve Been Waiting All My Life to be Middle Aged” and a syndicated columnist. Her memoir, “ Blue Yarn,” was released in 2019. Learn more at carrieclasson. com.