I have concluded that Barry's "brother", Paul, is just make-believe. Barry probably just wished he had another brother so he created a fictitious one named Paul. He even went so far as to create a blog for Paul, where Barry and Paul argue over philosophical issues. What about the pictures? Well, it's not hard to find willing models who are desperate for a claim to fame. But then who is Petra engaged to? I have decided that she, out of the goodness of her heart, is playing along with Barry's imagination, hoping that he will move on after a bit of time goes by.
This conclusion has come about after going to GYC, where I was excited to meet these people who I've been conversing with in the blogging realm. Good 'ol Barry, he said that Paul was taking advantage of some extra time with Petra. That was definitely a convincing excuse, so we must give Barry some credit for coming up with such a good alibi for his dear "brother" Paul.
It is a sad day when you realize that your friends are living in alternate realities. Sad indeed. Does anyone know any good psychologists that we can refer Barry to? I do believe that I now need to embrace the truth and say goodbye to Paul.
p.s. lol, I can't wait to read the responses to this one :D
I am privileged to be the first to comment on this amusing blog (I need a new word for amusing, I've been using it too often).
ReplyDeleteChristy, your explanations and conclusion are quite nearly convincing :) However, I must disagree with your hypothesis for two reasons. 1) You committed at least one fallacy in this post- hasty generalization. 2) I have met Paul once, briefly, though he probably doesn't remember.
Meanwhile, as for a good psychologist for Barry, I would offer myself, but I have only brief and minimal training in the psychiatric area :P So instead, I highly recommend.... Bonnie Matheus :D
thank you for pointing out my errors. and for all the future posters, i well realize my mistakes :)
ReplyDeleteBtw, I did realize that you realize your mistakes... :) It was a terribly fun post.
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ReplyDeleteKristin, when did we meet?
ReplyDeleteBarry needs psycological help--almost as much as I do...
Christy:
I am real. I have a mailing address, a cell phone number, and transcripts at CUC and W&L. Just give CUC a call and ask about the political rebel with the peerless GPA
haha, ok, maybe I just will call up CUC! :)
ReplyDeleteI met you.... 4 years ago? I think it was 4 years ago at CUC. I was there for Writer's Conference with HVA, and Alban was going to stay at your place, so Ansley and I walked him over. And I was introduced to you briefly, and we left :)
ReplyDeleteThe truth is, Paul doesn't know that he's not real...He is the figment of barry's imagination, but he has a mind of his own. Talented, that Barry Howe.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a member of Sophie's World. I have original thoughts, so I must be real...
ReplyDeleteEver read Thr3e by Ted Dekker? Marvelous book, describes exactly what's happening here. Multiple personalities. Good call Jonathan. He definitely needs a psychologist, and fast!
ReplyDeleteHmmm... I wonder if Barry has any other personalities lurking in his mind. The two that we've met so far seem to be quite intelligent and philosophical, though they don't seem to agree with each other at times. Johonn is right, Barry is quite talented...
ReplyDeleteAnd yes Christy, I've read Thr3e. At times, I was rather creeped out. Didn't help much that I was reading parts of it at 2 or 3 in the morning.... I couldn't quite decide whether or not I liked that book.
Yes, I can attest that Paul was conspicuously absent from said gathering of the German Yacht Club (GYC).
ReplyDeleteWell, Paul sure was at GYC for about 20-30 minutes I believe... - before heading out for picninc, then for a hike, then for an awesome Houmann-supper, then up to Washington D.C. to see me trip over a fence. He can testify my embarrassment!
ReplyDeleteAnyways, Paul is a real person, with real thoughts, a person that loves real hiking, engaged to a real girl. Welcome to REALity.
I've never met Barry - but I did meet Paul last weekend (in Baltimore) - and Petra seemed to enjoy his company!
ReplyDeletehmmmm, so much evidence as to Paul's validity. Well, I will gracefully acknowledge my obvious hasty generalizations and bow out to the superior knowledge of those who personally know Paul. I have not had that privilege as of yet. :)
ReplyDeletethis is halarious!!!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, I am crafty.
ReplyDeletejust one problem. I am obviously more crafty then Barry, so there's no way he could have created me.
ReplyDeletehaha, an interesting argument.
ReplyDeleteWow. The things I never knew were going on. (This is my first time visiting ya'lls blogs!!!!)
ReplyDeletehmmmm, brian.... I know several brian's. Which one are you??? I attempted to look at your blog but it won't let me. So sad :(
ReplyDeleteYes this would just happen to be Brian (Glass) and Yes I am real.
ReplyDeleteAnd I think you can see my profile now. Let me check. One moment.
ReplyDeleteYes you can click on my username
ReplyDeleteYay! It's Brian Glass! Wahoo you got a blog! Exciting :D :D
ReplyDelete