Hey, you.
Yeah, you the guy who is talking incessantly to me at the laundromat.
Okay. Just because we’re standing here, the only two people in the laundromat, doesn’t mean we have to talk. We don’t have to become friends while we fold our laundry just because we happen to be in the same place. In fact, I don’t want to hear random things about your life that you think might be impressive to me– like how you’re reading Harry Potter for the first time, or how you are going out for pizza with your friends on State Street tonight. I certainly do not want to hear about how you had open heart surgery last year and that you can now bike 100 miles. I don’t actually care that you’re sober and only hang out in coffee shops instead of bars. I’m not even impressed that you know the owner of Mother Fool’s coffee shop because I actually know them too. But I’m not going to offer that information because, get this, I don’t want to talk to you.
What’s worse is that by talking to me in this incredibly friendly way, you’re making me feel bad and you don’t even know it. You’re making me feel bad because I don’t want to talk to you. I have no interest. And I fear that it shows. And it probably doesn’t make you feel very good about how you’re reaching out to people/trying to pick someone up/make a new friend or whatever you’re trying to do. I don’t want to make you feel bad. I don’t want to be unfriendly, but you leave me no choice.
See, I have this “no talking to strangers” policy. It doesn’t matter where I am– the grocery store, an airplane, or the bus, I don’t want to bond with you over our momentarily shared situation. Small conversation is okay– like asking you if you care if I turn off the TV in the laundromat, or making a comment about how long the plane is just sitting on the runway. That’s about how far the conversation should go. Friendly, but short and to the point, and then people leave each other alone.
LOL this is indeed another way we differ, i talk to everyone! unless im sleepy or cranky, then dont talk to me.
hahaa this is a good story. Maine misses you….
Jo is the same way! She talks to everyone everywhere, and I would rather just ignore people!
thats why i say jo is cooler than you…. JK
You’re such a New Englander.
[...] although I’m not a fan of interacting unnecessarily with strangers, but whoever this guy is, I’d like to publicly thank him for saving me from what would have [...]
Haha. Im the very same way. Im from Florida go figure. Anyhow, Im a nice person but I get annoyed very quickly with people trying to talk to me in a forceful situation. Ya know like, just because we are temporary roommates. I hate when people run up on me in my face, asking nosy questions. To those types, mind your business! Make small talk and let it naturally grow.
What about strangers who comment on your blog?