For some reason people have this image of me as this destructive force, laying waste to everyone who comes into contact with me. This really isn't true. As a general rule, I usually only fuck with posers and idiots; i.e., those people who I think deserve to be called out. Most people who meet me out always say things like, "You are so much nicer that I thought you'd be. I pictured constantly drunk, laying under the table, screaming curses at people." While this is a funny image, it's just not me.
But even beyond just not calling every I meet out, I actually help a lot of people. Who would have thought? A real email I just got:
Dear Tucker.
My name is [redacted]. I'm 23, and I live in Michigan. I draw comics. I've read all the content of your site, and I'm eager to buy the new book. I'm a big fan.
Recently, my girlfriend and I broke up. It was very hard, very painful, all the things I'm sure you're familiar with. Now, I've had breakups before, really messy ones, but this one was probably the hardest, because I truly thought she was the one. We'd been living together for a year, and everything was great.
Out of nowhere, she tells me she's not happy. She wants to move out.
In the past, I have not handled breakups well. When I was younger... Not to weird you out or anything, but when I was younger, I got real depressed, and dove into that sea of self-loathing one dives into when they feel hurt and betrayed.
This time was different though. Even though she was the best girlfriend I've had, I took the news better than ever before. I've grown up a lot since then, I think. And one of the things I found myself repeatedly thinking was "What would Tucker Max do if he got dumped? Would he pout like a little bitch and play video games to blot out the pain? No. He would go out into the world and, for a few hours, he would make that world his. That is what I must do."
I reread your stories. I read your advice on the message boards, all that shit about finding yourself, about being sure of who you are and what you can do. Sentiments like that helped me see my situation for what it was: temporary. My girlfriend leaving was not the end of the world. It was the beginning of a new one.
My point is... You help people. People just like me, every day. People who have little confidence, aren't sure of what their place in the world is, and of how they can attain their dreams. People who are ready to reject what they have been told to think, and begin thinking for themselves. You might be conceited, but you're RIGHT to be. You've got it figured out. You've left your mark in human history, and will be forever remembered as a terrible person and a brilliant man.
Thank you, Tucker Max. You are a hero. Keep writing your stories. There's no telling how many of us you might save.
Posted by Tucker Max at 3:03 AM