If you said I idealise the past and tend to ignore what's going on around me now I'd probably agree with you. I was recently reminded of this flaw by a young man who's a good friend of mine:

"Memories very important, especially recent events, but as time passes all they do is make you long for the past. Don't dwell on your memories of Alejandro. Find someone new-a real person, not a memory. Of it's not my place to tell you what to do, but I don't think you'll be offended by what I say. Immerse yourself real life; look for him in your street and your neighbourhood; you'll find that everywhere is full of Alejandros-people like you, who share your feelings and would give anything to get to know you or be favoured with your smile."

This friend of mine is a remarkable young man, and it's a pity he lives so far away. But I think he's too optimistic: not all men think like him, and I don't believe the streets are full of Alejandros who are as loving and generous as he was.

But in spite of my doubts I've recently made myself follow his advice, and see if I can't meet some of these Alejandros. And now I shall tell you how things turned out, in the form of a diary: The Diary of a Convert.

I hope to be able to finish this diary soon, as that will show that I at last have found him.

Henry