Tom Norris was an acquaintance of Beverly Crusher during her youth. She went on one date with him, which ended in the question "Is that a beard or is your face dirty?" Beverly later realized that she had really hurt him, and from that point on she was more conscious of others' feelings.

Jean Luc Picard referenced the incident, while he temporarily had the ability to read Crusher's thoughts in 2370. (TNG: "Attached")