Alright, time to show my age:
There used to be a show called Saved by the Bell. It was about a group of friends at a fictional high school navigating the often unbelievable trials and tribulations of their teenage years.
The main character was a kid named Zack Morris, a quintessential 80s handsome-yet-mischievous protagonist. The principal, Mr. Belding, often served as a foil to Zack and his schemes. There was usually some kind of life lesson involved.
I loved this show when I was a kid.
I suspect I was pretty annoying because of Zack Morris.
I remember one episode in particular. Please forgive me if I muddle the details.
The friend group is in danger of missing the class field trip (something educational). They have to pass a history test to go, but the teacher clearly wants them to fail.
At the last minute, the teacher has a nervous breakdown or something, and Mr. Belding's brother, Rod, is the substitute. He is cool in every 80s way possible, with long hair and a freewheeling lifestyle.
Cool guys were all named "Rod" in the late 80s and early 90s.
Rod tears the kids' tests up and lets them choose their own grades. He also tells them that whitewater rafting would be better than the educational field trip and offers to take them.
The kids are all excited, but when they show up to go whitewater rafting, Rod abandons them to hang out with some stewardesses or something like that (a very 80s excuse).
In the end, Mr. Belding shows up and takes them rafting.
As I said, I may have gotten some of the details wrong, but it taught me a lesson that I still live by today: don't fall for the shiny neon people in this world. Look for people with depth who care enough to be honest with you, even when it is uncomfortable. Look for people who show up in a real way instead of being "nice."
Give your time, attention, and loyalty to the people who expect the best of you.
In short, choose Mr. Belding.
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