Old Friend

Had an old friend call my home the other day. He left a message on our machine saying he was just calling to say hello and catch up on how my life is going. This guy was one of my best friends in high school, and I’d love to chat and catch up with things in our lives. But I’ve learned his pattern.

About 10 years ago, this old friend called me for the first time since our high school days. We talked probably an hour, and it was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the conversation. We said we’d try to get together some time and talk more.

Then a week later, he called back to sell me on Amway. I said, “No, thanks,” and he didn’t push it. But that was the last I heard from him for a long time. Admittedly, I didn’t call him either, but after the sales pitch, I wasn’t sure I wanted to meet with him face to face.

Around 5 years ago, this old friend called me again. We had another great conversation about our lives and the old days. Again, I thoroughly enjoyed the phone call. But I mentioned to Cowgrit, “I wonder if he’ll call back about Amway.”

Then a week later, he called back to sell me on Amway. I said, “No, thanks,” and he didn’t push it. But his pattern left a bad feeling with me. Was he just calling me to sell me?

A few months later, in my old hometown, I bumped into another old friend from high school. During our brief conversation, I asked if he knew what was going on with any of our other old friends. I mentioned that I had talked with X on the phone a couple of times.

“Did he try to sell you on Amway?” this guy asked.

Turns out my old best friend had called many of our old schoolmates with the same pattern – call to catch up, then follow up with a call to sell Amway.

Now this guy has called me to catch up a third time. I guess he’s got me on the 5 year rotation. I won’t bother to call him back. I’m still not interested in Amway.

Bullgrit