Maybe

‌If only the Fruit of the Loom guys were around to see how popular t-shirts have become in Italy. In the past I've shared the popularity of English phrases about love, sunshine and happiness resting on one's breast. Now fake American university and team shirts have arrived. I do my best to keep quiet and let the unaware wearers enjoy the wrong colors and flags.

It's quite possible I've missed something in the past 13 years. Perhaps those donning t-shirts in English that I don't understand are more in the know than I am. For example, my 8th grade friend showed up in a cropped t-shirt that said nothing more than MAYBE. Although curious, I asked no questions. I thought it might be a secret club she doesn't want me to know about.

My search in the piazza for other MAYBE members was unsuccessful, so I took a poll on its meaning. My question was, "Does MAYBE convey strength or weakness?" and the most popular answer was, "It depends." As much as I hate to admit it, maybe they're right.

I think of YES and NO as strength. They're committed, decisive words. That left MAYBE as non-committal and indecisive; words that reek weak. But when I decided to look at the glass as half full I saw the hope and possibility in MAYBE. Doors aren't open, but they aren't closed either. Is my black and white world making room for grey?

One thing's for sure. I'm going to contact Fruit of the Loom to propose an idea for 2026; a t-shirt that says IT DEPENDS, available only in grey.