BLOG: The sensible wimp

"WHAT are ya, a wimp??".

None of us like to be thought of as weak, vulnerable or timid so when our masculinity is challenged, the natural knee jerk reaction is to arc up and push forward to proclaim hero status - unfortunately it's not very cool being a sensible wimp.

It's a situation that has played out many times before; fishing the rocks when the ocean is dangerously pounding; pointing the boat offshore after an ominous forecast of rough seas; clambering across a perilously narrow path at the top of a cliff; shooting through a frothing river mouth bar with the breakers rolling in... The list is endless.

Danger manifests itself in many forms and while many sensible people err on the side of caution, others either take unnecessary risks or spur on their buddies and urge them to take a punt with their lives.

You've made the effort to wake up early and prepare for a long day's fishing only to arrive at your destination to be met with an adverse situation that spells danger - it's exceptionally frustrating and you deliberate with your fishing buddies. Do you chance it and head out anyway? A quick glance at the thinking faces reveals a little about our group of fishing friends: one guy looks nervous, another is ambivalent, the third is downright frightened and the fourth is ready to roll with the punches, keen as mustard for a game of Russian roulette.

"What do you guys think" asks one of the chaps; male pride is at stake here and no one wants to confess their fears by openly boycotting the trip.
"Dunno mate, what do you reckon - might be fishable but it's a bit iffy" proclaims Mr Ambivalent. All of a sudden our eager friend puffs up his chest and sensing a lack of leadership decides to assert some authority, "it's not that bad - come on let's get out there, I'm not bloody going home".

Unfortunately, those last few words can all so easily and tragically come true...

So, do you chance it to save face or does the sensible wimp shine through. The critical decision point has been reached, do you stay or do you go?