I approach them – they are acquaintances which have information I seek. I say hello. They answer and ask how I am, where I reply with the usual drab comment. If I were to be honest, I would bludgeon the momentum of the comfortable conversation, as well as create an awkward mood. I do this often, sometimes it is fun, but today I wish to articulate my request.
The conversation ends quickly with the words ‘Great! Have a good day as well!’ which were not spoken by me. My information is walking away from me. ‘Excuse me’ I say, while gathering my words of request. Suddenly dark and serious, I bludgeoned the momentum. If you do not believe ‘Excuse me’ could be as bad as ‘Go Fuck Yourselves!’ you are quite mistaken.
A dirty look, a turn, a continued pace. I follow.
‘Wait! Please tell me…’ The conversation axe is ready. At the word ‘please’ their look is grim. Am I begging them for something? Could I have transformed into Larry David? Where did everything go wrong? This was not your usual conversation, this seem fated to fail. Everything was not in the right place. It was over. I left it as that and decided to re-approach the situation later.
The next day I ask the question directly, no ‘Hello’ or ‘How are you’, straight into the business end. Success.
These simple conversation mannerisms have ruined the direction of my conversation, made me lie, created an atmosphere of avoidance, and destroy my expression.
I will try not to lie again about how I am feeling, excuse myself, or beg for attention with that horrible word ‘please’.
Go Fuck Yourselves!