"We have a strange and wonderful relationship - he's strange and I'm wonderful"

Mike Ditka’s remark, “We have a strange and wonderful relationship – he's strange and I’m wonderful,” uses humor and wordplay to characterize a unique dynamic between two individuals. The statement suggests affection and camaraderie, yet it’s laced with tongue-in-cheek self-flattery and gentle ribbing of the other person. By juxtaposing “strange” and “wonderful,” Ditka paints a vivid picture of contrast, two people who, while perhaps very different, find a complementary balance in their relationship.

Calling someone “strange” can often be a slight, but in this context, it’s softened by the humor, suggesting that Ditka views the other person’s quirks with fondness. This framing allows eccentricity or uniqueness to become an endearing trait rather than a flaw, reinforcing the closeness between the two. Meanwhile, Ditka describes himself as “wonderful,” a self-deprecating boast that shows comfort in the relationship and willingness to make light of his own ego. This humorous self-appraisal implies a level of trust, he feels secure enough to joke both at his own expense and his friend’s.

The quote also hints at the broader idea that meaningful relationships are often built on differences as much as similarities. The contrast between “strange” and “wonderful” implies their differences are not obstacles but the very reason their relationship is engaging. The playful teasing breaks down barriers and builds intimacy through laughter. Their connection is not just about perfect alignment but about appreciating, and maybe even relying on, each other's distinct qualities.

The manner Ditka phrases his comment indicates a relaxed dynamic, where both individuals can poke fun and accept each other as they are. It underlines that relationships are at their best when both parties accept and even celebrate each other's peculiarities, resulting in a bond that is, as he says, “strange and wonderful.”