He’s a good guy

He’s a good guy.

Opens doors for people.
Takes care of his mother.
Works hard for what he wants.

He’s a good
guy.

Says hi to the neighbors.
Devoted to his girlfriend.
Doesn’t drive over the speed limit.

He’s a
good
guy.

Well-liked by everyone.
Entertains people with his humor.

He’s
a
good
guy.

Helps people
Shows up according to schedule

a
good
guy

Opens doors for himself
But others happen to be there too
Takes care of his mother
Because it would look bad if he didn’t
Works hard for what he wants

good
guy

Says hi to his neighbors (so they like him)
Devoted to his girlfriend (but has a side piece)
Doesn’t drive over the speed limit (because he’s afraid of what else might be found)

guy

Well-liked by everyone
so he can get what he wants from them
Entertains people with his humor
because they’re the butt of his jokes

He’s a guy.

Helps people (to get what he wants)
Shows up according to (his) schedule

He’s (not) a good guy.

 

___

 

What is the measure of a good guy? We sling that phrase around so often in conversation, using it as almost an apology for bad behavior and choices.

“Oh, he’s caught up in a tough situation, but he’s a good guy.”

“He wasn’t thinking when he did that. I know he’s a good guy deep down.”

“Well, he’s been trying to get his life back together, but things just keep messing it up for him. He’s a good guy, though.”

Somehow “good guy” has lost some of its strength of character, and it’s used as a bandaid to cover up real problems. It hints at the potential that this human has to be better…even if that human doesn’t choose it. If we are a measure of our choices, actions, and words, and these things combine to become a foundational characteristic of who we are–maybe we should be more careful about those choices, actions, and words that we make every day.