Optimist? Euphemist.

One of our neighbors, a guy who lives across our backyard, is elusive. I've never met him, but I really want to, because his dog is cool.

This morning an older man was in his yard putting up a fence. I asked Boyfriend if that was him.

"It isn't. Pat is a lot heavier. He could wipe me away in one swipe," he said.

"Oh, a fat guy? Mr. Baseball is a fat guy?" I replied, incredulous.

"Not fat. Just... past his prime."