Uncommon Luxury For a Common Man

Why does feeling good make us feel guilty?

For No Sports Tuesday, we offer an ode to guilt, a happy birthday, a hug to Joe Burrow and a tune that causes my eyes to water. Get all of that for the cost of one craft beer at a fru-fru restaurant ($8) a month. Or get the shrunken version for free. We recommend the restaurant option.

Last week, I did something that pretty much obliterated who I like to believe I am. I did this willingly and with no small measure of anticipation.

Are we navel-gazing again, Doc?

It could turn out to be a life-changing experience or a hard lesson in the costs of wanton self-indulgence. It could make my world immeasurably happier or fill me with guilt and regret for the rest of my days.

Get on with it, will you please.

It was something I’d thought about doing for years, but never could muster the courage or foolishness to do it. Friends had told me to do it. My wife urged it. I over-thought about it and always decided against it. It was just too frivolous, too extravagant, too expensive. Mostly, it just wasn’t necessary.