Beware The Thunder Thief (The Friday Ficks S5 E12)

They’re out there.

Lurking at youth sports events. Hiding behind office doors. Disingenuously smiling at neighborhood barbecues. Tapping away as a keyboard warrior. Shaking your hand at corporate events with an agenda in their back pocket. Skulking around every corner.

Ready to pounce. Ready to one-up you. Ready to steal the spotlight, and own you.

A few days ago, a friend sent a group text around, flush with pride - his daughter had just run a half-marathon. And rightfully so, as the half is no joke. A couple of smiling post-race pics accompanied the message.

The group responded with sincere and heartfelt congratulations. After all, we’ve been friends for over 50 years.

Ironically, one of my daughters had also run a half-marathon the same weekend.

What to do?

Keep my powder dry and allow my friend’s celebratory moment to unfold, or step in the fray and become…a Thunder Thief.

You’ve all met the Thunder Thief - the one who says “enough about you. Let’s talk about me.”

The one who hijacks your joy, steals your proud moment and undercuts your celebration.

The thief of your thunder.

I chose Door #2, and kept the powder dry. This was my friend’s moment, rightfully basking in the joy of his daughter’s wonderful accomplishment. And we all shared with him.

I’ll let the guys know about my daughter’s race on a different day, in a thread I generate.

Beware the Thunder Thief.

Own the day. Own the weekend.

Carl