I’ve experienced yet another social phenomena akin to the whole “making eye contact with a passer-by while talking on a cell phone” thing. And it’s even more revolting than that.
When I’m out walking dogs, I pretty much mind my own business unless a social moment arises. I’m on the client’s time and I’m exercising a dog! Focused! So when the following happens, I have no problem giving the cold shoulder.
I’ll be walking along enjoying my walk. It really doesn’t matter what I’m wearing or if I look like I haven’t showered or even if I am covered in dirt, which at times I am. It never fails. Today it happened like this…
I was walking up Avenue B. I had just picked up a dog and was about to get another. I was passing a large truck where a man was unloading cases of water for the corner deli. He was having a rather loud, animated conversation with a guy who was down the block. Then as soon I was right next to him, his voice dropped to practically nothing and said, “Hey Baby. How you doin’?” right into my ear.
I’m getting the icks just reliving it. It happens all the time. The creeps wait until you’re right next to them and then BAM inappropriateness.
I’d love to wear earplugs but that somewhat hinders my ability to hear things like oncoming cars, bike bells and the general ambiance of the city. Nocando. I’ve developed a strict “no eye contact, completely ignore” tactic that allows me to maintain a sense of preservation. I can always roll my eyes and have the heebie-jeebies later.
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