NYRSF 343 Editorial: Plex: A Parable

I have a hobby—well, not so much a hobby as a habit. When I meet people, I punch them in the solar plexus. Well, again, “punch” isn’t the right word. Most times, it’s a just a light tap, a brush that passes quickly. Other times, if circumstances permit and the mood of the moment seems just right, I really haul off and punch. It’s my way of getting to know people, a little signature touch to assure that both I and my newfound acquaintance remember the moment.

Over the years, occasionally, rarely, this has not gone well; there have been tears or screams or even, shockingly, violence. But most of the time, the affection behind my gesture—because what else could it be?—is understood. Physical playfulness is the hallmark of all enduring human relationships, the slap on the back or the high five or the handshake, whether meek or crushing, the touch that says “I am here and so are you and you know where we stand.” Other people have their rituals, and I have mine.

I mostly do this at cons; I used to greet a lot of people this way in the con suite. “That’s just Kevin,” I’ll hear. “He’s a good guy, really, does a lot for the field,” but even so there are fewer people around me. So I go looking for new friends all the time. Smaller parties are good, and sometimes wandering the halls gives me more opportunities. Elevators are great.

I know this sounds incredible. Surely if I do this, you wonder, how have you never heard of it? And I can’t answer that. While I usually don’t talk about it, I don’t hide it; although if I am asked directly about it, which I never am, I usually just laugh and move on. My plexual habits are between me and my friends, not the whole world. Most people don’t seem to want to talk about it, anyway.

You can be sure that other people know, though. They think people should know, but perhaps they’ve just never told you. Maybe there’s a good reason for that. Or maybe there isn’t. When I am dead, perhaps then someone will tell you that you didn’t imagine it, tell you you’re not the only one.  

—Kevin J. Maroney and the editors

Comments

[Christopher Rowe]

I’m a new subscriber as of issue #344. I just want to say how much I appreciate this editorial and the one in that number. Thank you.

[Kevin J. Maroney]

Thank you both for your interest and for your kind comment. We thrive on both.