Hi, David - appreciate the personal and open tone of this post.

First, I hope your eyesight continues to improve and that you continue to display this remarkable attitude toward something that would be driving me crazy.

Second, what an impacting way to frame the message that we cannot truly know a person simply by looking at them.  Most of the really interesting things that make each of us a unique person is not visible, except by inference through our actions.  For example, those who have learned and practice humility do tend to behave differently than those who have not.

I guess my group therapy facilitation experiences pay off here.  I have had more than my fair share of exercises, such as the great examples you share here, to help me become more open and motivated to dig beyond the obvious to learn about a person.  Your story reinforces that this is essential for building strong relationships and exhibiting true and authentic leadership.

When words like "trust" and "transparency" come up in the comments, as they have here, you are reaching us on a very deep and essential level.

Thanks for a powerful midweek post:)

John