Eleven Mike said:
You are really over-thinkin' it man.
Ya' know, in a very real sense, I'm glad I do.
I like the idea that I'm constantly baffled by the need some idiots have to impress the world by establishing a fantasy life. Why not simply admit to the life you have?
You want to be tough? Yikes, right across the parking lot from my gym is a McDojo called "Karate America." You could lift a bit of iron, meet some very pretty girls, then walk less than 100 yards and learn how to defend yourself. There's even motorcycle parking and a swimming pool.
You have no idea how many times I've stumbled into the place, half asleep, no caffeine or any other conscious thoughts.
If I had to conjure up the fantasy life of a mall ninja or a Walter Mitty I would never get the chance to leave the house.
BTW, the local real Harley shop has some real girls working in the road clothes section, and you can park your real bike, get a real latte' or a real cappuccino in the breakroom and go talk to them. The real cute one even flirts back.
So, yeah, over-thinkin' this stuff eludes me.