My Brad Pitt Chronicles

My whole life, I've worked into a headwind because of my looks. It's not that I'm particularly horrible looking, but more than one woman has informed me that I'm not in "their league" (actually true, though not in the way they thought), and when I walk into a room of strangers, the energy, despite my upbeat attitude and witty repartee, sinks measurably. Ah, hell. Here comes Mr. Shloomphy. The issue is that I'm really, really — no, really — not Brad Pitt, and just as I entered adulthood, that became the standard. I've failed the Brad Pitt standard miserably. Which is fine! I'm not trying to look like much, or seem like much. My interest is in full-heartedly doing much. I don't mind standing back in the gloom as lowly Mr. Shloomphy while people enjoy my creations. I'd much rather be The Guy than seem like The Guy, even though this ensures that no one ever believes I'm really The Guy. Seemers always win! It's not my ideal outcome, but I wouldn't switch. Even in a world that rewards…