Actually, he’s acting like Raymond Babbitt. Charlie was Tom Cruise’s character, Raymond was the Autistic-Savant played by Dustin Hoffman.

What is “the apple thing” you’re referring to? It’s been a while since I saw the movie, and I can’t remember anything about apples. Now I’m curious.

First thing that came to my mind after reading your story, was
“He’s acting sort of like Charlie Babbitt from Rainman… maybe he’s giving away advice/knowledge that he picks up here and there, that we will regret we did’nt understand in about 10 or 15 years – just like “the apple thing” Charlie gladly told about somwhere in the movie…?”
So you better think hard there, dear Ladylong – you might stand infront of economical freedom without even knowing it

Keep us posted if/when you get it right – economical freedom is a nice thing, just like pie!

Dignity? Since when did I ever have any of that???

Maybe the eye ritual is for finding the few people in the world who care more about a stranger’s happiness than their own dignity.