Mr Smith

Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Too afraid to impose on others, yet unable (or unwilling) to recognise it as fear, Mr Smith lived a life of involuntary humility. He convinced himself he was happy and looked less favourably on others that he thought of as “less giving” or “more selfish” than he.

“ ‘Tis better to give than to receive,” was his mantra, and he was surrounded by large circles of friends (many receivers, as would be expected). As long as Mr Smith had the means to give, he saw no error and no flaw in his ways.

It was only in moments of challenge, when force of will was necessary to change a doomed course or guide towards a goal, that cracks showed to keen observers. Unable to impose his will and under the stubborn guise of selflessness, Mr Smith gave in, as he always did, to course after course charted by others.

Until there was no one left to give in to, then he gave up.