Talkers
I was in the checkout line at the supermarket today and the woman in front of me noticed Norah and said how cute she was. Now, I can't really disagree with her, but that's not the point. She started talking about her own children and how they slept at certain times and how her husband was always hammering and nailing things because he was putting additions on their house and so the kids had to get used to it. Then she started talking to the woman in front of her, who was having her groceries bagged. I was putting my own purchases on the conveyor belt, so I didn't hear everything she said, but there was a lot of talk about popcorn ceilings and how to replace them and how her house has asbestos in it and her husband is a smoker so she won't let him work on it and once you do get rid of it, it's hazardous material so what do you do with it? After she left, the checker started asking about Norah and what it's like being a stay-at-home dad. I answered her questions as well as I could, because I do like talking about my daughters.
I didn't really mind any of this talking, but why does it occur? Why do certain people feel the obsessive need to chat with everyone? I didn't know the woman in front of me, yet she seemed compelled to tell me all sorts of things about her life. She felt compelled to tell the woman in front of her and the checker all about her life. I'm a friendly person, I suppose, but when I'm out at the supermarket or another store or someplace where I don't know people, I don't start blabbing about my personal life. If it's relevant, I'll mention it, and if someone asks, I'll answer, but I don't feel the need to share.
Am I a big jerk? Should we all chat in line and with clerks and with strangers about idiotic things like popcorn ceilings? I sympathize with Jerry Seinfeld during that episode when Kramer takes his picture and hangs it in the lobby. I wouldn't mind if people in my apartment building know me and say hello, but kissing hello and chatting for long periods of time would annoy me. I like exchanging brief greetings, but people, come on! I don't care about your asbestos.
You may now call me evil. Go ahead, I can take it.
I didn't really mind any of this talking, but why does it occur? Why do certain people feel the obsessive need to chat with everyone? I didn't know the woman in front of me, yet she seemed compelled to tell me all sorts of things about her life. She felt compelled to tell the woman in front of her and the checker all about her life. I'm a friendly person, I suppose, but when I'm out at the supermarket or another store or someplace where I don't know people, I don't start blabbing about my personal life. If it's relevant, I'll mention it, and if someone asks, I'll answer, but I don't feel the need to share.
Am I a big jerk? Should we all chat in line and with clerks and with strangers about idiotic things like popcorn ceilings? I sympathize with Jerry Seinfeld during that episode when Kramer takes his picture and hangs it in the lobby. I wouldn't mind if people in my apartment building know me and say hello, but kissing hello and chatting for long periods of time would annoy me. I like exchanging brief greetings, but people, come on! I don't care about your asbestos.
You may now call me evil. Go ahead, I can take it.
posted by Greg | 8:33 PM
8 Comments:
It's just because (I presume) Norah's a baby. In three years, when Norah running round like a nightmare throwing cans around and sticking her fingers in the bread rolls, nobody will even be catching you with peripheral vision.
Trust me, I've been there.
I have a theory, that I need to pontificate more on, that we've become isolated, in our private cars, in houses where we don't know our neighbors, that many people are STARVING for himan interaction. And a cute baby is a "safe" entryway.
Now, bathering is another thing, the on and on. But 30 seconds of "yes, it HAS rained a lot lately" isn't the worst thing in the world.
I agree, Roger - I think a lot of us are starving for human interaction. I love when Mia's therapists come over, because I can actually talk to adults for a change.
I'm not saying I'm rude to these people - I do listen, and nod, and smile when it is warranted, but I just wonder why they think I care. I certainly wouldn't go on about how dirty my grill is or something like that. It's just interesting.
Of course, never ask me "How's it going?" because although the standard answer to that is "Fine," I take people seriously and actually tell you. Fear me!
I don't mind the talkers...it's the idiots who mix the hot, cold, soft stuff and chips all along the belt forcing the cashiers to have 5 or 6 seperate bags while they sort out all the stuff so the bonehead won't get the ice cream with the hot rotisserie chicken or eggs and bread with the gallons of juice.
Nup, I agree with you - just ignore these people and they will go away eventually. As soon as they realise they are talking to the back of your head.
I'm sorry, but the irony of someone writing on a blog about people chatting with everyone, when, really a blog is just chatting with anyone on the Internet who happens by, just sort of tickled my funny bone.
That's true, Network Geek, but I'm so fascinating, you can't ignore me!!!!!
Sadly, the Truth is reveal to startled onlookers...
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