Same Shoes

An Owl, a Frog, and a Beaver were sitting in the shoe store together trying on shoes. Each of the friends were there to try on a different type of shoe because each one had a different activity they liked to participate in.

The Owl, Murray, was looking for a hiking shoe, something that was sturdy, waterproof and comfortable.

The Frog, Farooq, was looking for more of a lifestyle sneaker, something cool, fashionable, and comfortable.

The Beaver, Buckston, was looking for more of a running shoe, something supportive, light, and comfortable.

The three came shoe shopping together mainly because they liked each other’s company but also because left to their own devices each of the friends would never replace their current shoes until they had worn a whole through them and their big toe was sticking out like a hobo.

As the three looked around for their respective shoes they realized all three of them had something in common. They all wanted comfortable shoes. Murray, the Owl, had an idea:

"What if, we were able to find a shoe that met all of our specifications? Do you think such a shoe exists?"

The Frog and the Beaver were skeptical of the suggestion. Other than being comfortable the shoe requirements for each of them were wildly different.

"I don't think that's possible," Buckston, the Beaver, began, "We have too many individual specifications outside of our shoes being comfortable for one shoe to include all of them."

"I don't know," Farooq chimed in, "I think Murray might be on to something here."

"Really? You're kidding?" Buckston replied, shocked, "I thought this was a pretty easy idea Murray idea to shut down."

"Hey, what do you mean an easy Murray idea to shut down?" Murray responded, indignant.

Buckston immediately regretted saying what he just said. Sure, the idea of one shoe to meet all their different needs was silly, and sure again, Farooq and Buckston would typically recount some of Murray's innumerable bad ideas to each other and laugh, and sure even more, Farooq and Buckston would mostly do this behind Murray's back. But, that's still not a nice way to talk about your friend to their face.

"I didn't mean anything by it, Murray," Buckston apologized, "I said something I shouldn't have."

"Farooq, is this true? Do you and Buckston think about how to shoot down my ideas when I'm not around?" Murray asked.

Farooq glared at Buckston for putting him in this difficult situation.

"No, Murray, sometimes we playfully talk about how creative your ideas are even though they are impractical. But that's it. It's never bad." Farooq offered.

Murray was understandably shook about this. He knew his ideas weren't always the most practical or doable but they were always sincere. Knowing that his friends were talking about him behind his back made him feel like he couldn't or shouldn't share his ideas with them anymore.

"You guys don't have to lie," Murray started, "I know not all my ideas are good."

This broke Buckston's heart. He felt like such a louse. There was absolutely no reason to tell Murray that his idea that everyone buys the same shoe whether it was for running, hiking, or fashion/lifestyle, was dumb. Buckston felt like an awful friend. He didn't know how to make up for it.

Well, actually, he did know what he needed to do but... Well...

"Um, you know what..." Buckston began, "Why don't we go ahead and try to all get the same shoe? Maybe that will actually work, you know or maybe not... but let's try."

Buckston extended an olive branch. It was the least he could do to make it up to his friend. They'd look around and find that all the shoes were incompatible with the other shoes and then move on.

"That's what I was trying to say!" Farooq added, "Rather than search for a cool shoe I'm down to have a shoe come to me and then make it cool. It's the next step in my evolution as an influencer."

"Great! Let's look!" Murray exclaimed, ecstatic.

Buckston knew he was screwed now. He sighed and then what unfolded was exactly what he thought would unfold:

Murray and Farooq found a shoe they both liked. It was heavy and comfortable and stylish. But not light for running. The two grabbed a pair, excited, and looked at Buckston with anticipation. He grabbed a pair too. They wore them out together and walked out at a slow, steady pace. One that was definitely not conducive to running. Because that's what friends do.