I think I know a lot of people.
I think I know a lot ABOUT a lot of people.
That’s why I love when I’m having a conversation with someone and they reveal something about themselves that’s new to me.

“I did not know that!”

Five little words. Common, every day words. But in this particular context, they are magical.

I recently discovered that my longtime concert buddy–we’re talking three decades and easily over a hundred shows–doesn’t wear black concert t’s. She stated this and I had to pause, reflect, consider, and finally realize– I did not know that!

Did you know William Shatner is releasing a Blues album? Probably not, but that’s not exactly going to summon the desired response. We were listening to a promo on the radio and they referenced his nationality. William Shatner, he of ecclectic fame throughout my life, is Canadian. I did not know that. Yes, I was more surprised to learn about his Montreal roots than I was to hear about him singing (!?) the blues.

Once in a great while, I learn something new about my husband. We’ve spent pretty much every day together for over thirty-five years. It’s hard to imagine there are things we haven’t discussed. And yet…occasionally I’m blown away by an

“I did not know that!”

factoid.

I think those revelations are wonderful. Not planned. No truth or dare or tell me a secret kind of shenanigans. Totally organic conversational discoveries.

Isn’t it nice to meet someone and find out–later–that they are a vegan? Or teach Pilates? Or love cats? I tease, but it’s true.

I guess it’s because of the millions of details that make up your life, that constitute YOU, that I struggled with the “I AM” mask message that stated the obvious. Sometimes details are visually indisputable. Sometimes they are verbally immediate. Assumptions can be made, extrapolations occur, but isn’t it nice when someone states a personal fact that you didn’t assume, guess, or already know?

I look forward to the I did not know that moments. Bursts of personal history peeking through, illuminating people in a new light.