This used to be easier - and a lot more fun, cont.

[Zues126]

Oftentimes when I've played a pool player that's not at my level they tell me things like "You must think I'm terrible" or "This must be hard for you to watch" or stuff like that. I always wonder at that. I haven't said anything. I'm just playing pool the best I can, and they are too. If anything I respect the heck out of them because I can see they are playing hard and enjoying their gifts. The fact that I happen to play better is a small detail, because to me we are both on the same road, and we have this in common, a shared experience, and I respect them for going as far down this difficult road as they have. I always felt sad they couldn't feel the goodwill I had for them because they drown it out on their own feelings of insufficiency being projected over my voice.

You say 'we outclass you' and that you are 'ordinary'. I can't tell if you're hurt because you think I implied this in my post, or if you truly feel insufficient about yourself and are simply voicing your personal doubt taking ownership that it comes from you. It seems to be the former based on your later comment of my 'exacting standards'.

All I know is those aren't my words. Those are yours. And I don't feel that way at all. I said I admire Don, not that I looked down on everyone else besides Don. I can applaud the world's greatest violinist without looking critically at everyone else in the world.

As for your question about what to offer, if that world's greatest violinist went on a date I don't think he would care if his date had ever touched a violin. We don't all have to do the same things or be the same way. We just have to appreciate the uniqueness of the other.

The same way the violinist's date might feel rejected if they were criticized for not playing violin, the violinist might feel rejected for having his lifelong devotion to a musical instrument minimized.

Choosing to pursue one path doesn't have to be construed as criticism towards those that choose another. And it is possible for someone to celebrate what Don brings while allowing him to celebrate what they bring.