Contrast

Here we are again at another famous bonfire hosted by Chris, Jack and me. We have a burn every weekend we can during good weather. It’s dark enough to light the pile and we’re all well into the libations. I don’t even offer to touch the fire off, not that I’m not capable but I know it’s going to much more entertaining to watch Chris and Jack battle it out. Jack crumples up some paper and wood chips and strategically places them around and in the pile and starts to light each one of them with his high-end twin butane cigar lighter. Uh-oh here comes Chris with a large coffee tumbler. I know what’s in that cup and Jack would too but he’s not paying attention. With a casual toss, Chris lobs cup and all onto one of Jacks little paper fires and *Woosh*. Instantly the entire pile is crackling to life with fifteen foot flames. Jack jumps back starts checking to see if he’s on fire while Chris is howling with laughter. “How’d you like that Nancy?” Chris ribs. Jack just gives him a deadpan look, “You’re a fucking cave man you realize that?” These are my oldest and closest friends, and being my friend is pretty much it for similarities. I’ve known Jack for twenty-six years and Chris I’ve known for a lot less time of twenty-four years. As different as those two are it’s amazing they even admit to knowing each other let alone be best friends for so long. I often wonder if it’s an ‘opposites attract’ situation or a, ‘keep your friends close and enemies closer’ deal
Right off the bat you can see the differences. Jack does not own work clothes, he has clothes he’s willing to work in and then send to the cleaners. He’s has out fits for any social occasion, suits, sports clothes, western apparel etc. Then there’s Chris; if he needs to dress up, this involves a trip to Walmart to pick up an outfit because the last outfit got dirty fixing the van or deciding it was a good day to wrestle with the dog in the rain. On a day to day basis Jack sits around his house in ‘slacks’ a button down and clean sneakers or shoes while Chris is wearing greasy work shorts a tattered tank top and just the skin on his feet he was born with. Seeing these two together in public or at an event is like watching a clash of the classes.
Both men work hard and are good guys to have on your team regardless of what the project is. However the approaches they take couldn’t be more different. If we need to lift an engine block of the shop floor Jack will have a plan set up to hook a chain fall here and there, use the strong back bar as a fulcrum and then lift and drift the engine on to the work bench or into the vehicle. Jacks theory is more mental less physical whenever possible even if it takes longer. Chris will have none of that tom foolery. Chris is an animal so it only makes sense to just heave the block up with man power and drop it in place. If we try Jack’s plan, Chris helps but will let you know this is how sissies do things. If we go with Chris’ plan, Jack will tell Chris; “You’re gonna kill yourself idiot and I’m not going to feel bad.” The project always gets done but sometimes it takes as long to decide how.
Jack is a social butterfly and a perfect stranger. At gatherings of any size and for any reason, Jack is right at home. He’s able to hold his own in any conversation and has the social manners of a socialite or playboy. In simple terms Chris does not really like humans. Sometimes we wonder if he just barely tolerates us. If he is forced to attend events that involve more than his close friends and family, he tends to find a chair or corner out of the way and avoid interaction until his wife decides he’s suffered enough. Jack will be polite and show genuine interest in others. Chris is more likely to feign interest for as long as his impatience will allow and then find the quickest means out of the situation.
Those are my two best friends and as different as they are, they’ve managed a friendship that spans over two decades. I can’t be sure but I’d almost bet that the reason for this long running streak is because the one trait they both have is pure stubbornness. Neither will let either see the other quit first. I don’t know which one I’m more like. I can’t stopping reffing their differences long enough figure it out.