I Like My Hat. I Respect You More.
The Guy in the Hat occasionally has to take it off. I might not love it, but respecting the people and places I visit matters more.
If I take my hat off for you, just know: I like you.
Yesterday I had a meeting at a fancy club. Beautiful place. Interesting atmosphere. I wore a suit, knew the dress requirements, and knew the hat would have to come off.
So it did. No argument.
Was I happy about that particular part? Not especially.
I just like wearing a hat. When I’m out in public, it feels like part of me. “The Guy in the Hat” gets a little harder to explain when the hat is sitting in my lap.
The funny thing is, I don’t wear one that often at home. Sometimes my kids will come over and put one on my head because apparently Dad looks weird without it.
And yes, there is hair under there. Mostly gray, dyed red, much like the beard. The hat isn’t hiding some big secret.
But liking my hat doesn’t mean I need to make it somebody else’s problem.
Your home has a no-hats rule? I’ll take it off.
Walking into church? Absolutely.
Visiting a facility where I need a hard hat or other PPE? No question. I’ll wear what’s required.
And if the club where we’re meeting asks me to remove it, I will. I’m there to spend time with you. I’m not going to turn that into a debate about what’s on my head.
Just know that somewhere in the back of my mind, I’m looking forward to putting it back on.
I like my hat. I respect you more.
