As the hostess swiped my card this evening, she glanced at it, and then told me, seemingly in jest, that she would remember my name for future stalking purposes. We both laughed, and i replied that i had never had a stalker, or if i did, that i was not aware of it probably because he/she had incredibly stealthy skills. I went on to say that i would feel somewhat complemented to have a stalker, especially her. Now i realize that she was simply playing the flirtation game, and being who i am, i played right back.

As i ventured to my car, i began to ponder more deeply about stalkers and stalkees. At first, all of the statistics and writing concerning the issue of stalking that i had ever read came flooding back to me. And, of course, i began to wonder about that old saying, "many a truth is said in jest", so i began to ponder the possiblities, and my threat level was raised. No, it wasn't like an image of Paul Wolfowitz announcing that my personal color level had been elevated, but i just couldn't help wondering what she might do simply knowing my name.

Fortunately, my rational side took over. and, i realized that if pretty girls want to stalk me, well, there are much worse things that could happen in life. so, i began to wonder about the whole flip side to stalking. and, i came to the realization that, in a way, being stalked, actually is sort of a complement. although pathetic loosers sometimes are the stalkers, more often then not, they don't actually get stalked themselves. this is because people who are actually stalked, are deemed worthy of being stalked. people who are stalked are actually interesting enough to warrant the attention of someone willing to stalk them. so, in my stange twisted logic, being stalked is in some form, a complement.

Now, before i get jumped upon, let me say that i know full well, that many celebrities as well as many average people have had the unpleasant experience of being stalked. and furthermore, that a number of these stalking episodes have led to violent and sometimes deadly encounters. however, i just can't help thinking that a stalker doesn't just choose his/her subjects at random, but instead develops an uncommon affinity or dislike for a particular person and pursues it to a highly inappropriate degree.

having said that, i still like the concept of having a stalker, so long as he/she doesn't become violent or interfere with my personal business. but, it would signify to me that i have either done something that he/she really liked or related to, or offended to a degree that they dispised every fiber of my being. John Lennon is immortalized partially because of a stalker, and i would like to know that i have either enlightened or irritated someone so much that they would go to such lengths as to actually stalk me. whether they loved or loathed my work, i would still know that i made a connection with someone. but then again, i suppose body guards can be expensive, so i might rethink this whole being stalked thing. after all, i don't want to end up like Salmund Rushdie. note to self: do not anger religious fundamentalists.