When I travel, I like to play a little game of make-believe. On the rare occasions I interact with strangers on planes mostly, I pretend to be someone completely different, an architect, a pro sports agent, or something else unique that usually sparks curiosity. I usually stick to things I know enough about to maintain credibility
In reality, I’m happy, I love what I do, and I’m proud of it. I talk about my actual work all the time with friends and family enough, so it’s fun to step outside of myself for a bit and try on a new identity with people I’ll likely never see again.
It’s harmless fun (i think), I’m not trying to scam anyone, just enjoying the creativity of storytelling. Honestly, if someone ever called me out, I’d probably just laugh and tell them the truth, exactly like I’m sharing here. So far, though, no one has, and I think that’s part of the thrill.
do i feel guilty? lately i have. like this elderly woman i sat next to on the plane travelling from Africa to Amsterdam. We were in business class and she asked what I do, I said I’m Max Verstappens pilot, and she looooooves Max, she couldn’t stop talking about him. She was so interested and had so many questions. I tried to keep the answers honest and vague when I didn’t want to totally bs my way through the conversation… and to maintain discretion on behalf of the famous F1 driver I work for, but none of it was true in the sense that involves me in his life in any capacity.
this was a couple of weeks ago and idk, today it occurred to me that maybe that was wrong to do, but she was very happy on the flight she seemed to dread. idk.
Comments
I do this but only with people who won’t quit hitting on me, I think I’d feel bad lying to an old lady 😭
This reminds me of something I did in college, I pretended to be a famous chef at a party. People laughed and it was harmless. Flights are kinda like that, temporary, anonymous