Odd social reflex

[redbird]

When I got off the A train this evening, someone waved to me. I didn't recognize him--just a random middle-aged white guy--but my habit is to return any greeting unless I have a specific reason not to, so I waved back.

At that point, he said "How are you doing?"

I recognized the voice. It was someone I specifically didn't want to speak to, so I just walked away. But I'd noticed that, well, that he wasn't looking well, in a tired/drawn way, and that he'd changed enough that I didn't recognize him at first.

Comments

[roadnotes.livejournal.com]

Oh, dear. Was it who I'm afraid it was?

Re:

[redbird]

Yes.

Avoidance

[mishalak.livejournal.com]

I probably could not turn away. I would talk because I have this huge social obligation instinct thing. If I spot someone I don't want to talk to first though, I will dash off to avoid talking to him.

Re: Avoidance

[volund.livejournal.com]

If it were a person with whom you had a history resembling that which redbird, roadnotes and I have had with the person in question, you would definitely dash off.

If it were impossible to dash off, you'd probably end up feeling trapped and extremely uncomfortable, and would be immensely ticked off afterward.

[volund.livejournal.com]

Oy. On the other hand, it was probably inevitable that your paths would cross eventually, and a mercy that they hadn't until now.

just a random middle-aged white guy ...

Very telling. He and I are the same age. I don't think of and see myself as middle-aged quite yet (maybe I'm deluding myself, however ... ).

On the other hand, he wasn't aging well at all the last time I saw him, and I think it's been a couple of years since then.

I think your response was appropriate ("do NOT engage ..."), even if he now ends up whinging to somebody that you were mean and rude to him.

Assuming anybody will listen at this point.

Re:

[redbird]

I'm surprised it took this long, actually.

Not only are you aging better, you take more care of yourself. Those are related facts, though.

[rysmiel.livejournal.com]

*supportive hug* my sympathies.

[filkerdave.livejournal.com]

Just out of curiousity, do I know This Person?

Re:

[ailsaek.livejournal.com]

I'm assuming that This Person is the one I refer to generally as He Who Shall Not Be Named, which means he's back in New York.

If it's not him, well, I'm relieved.

Re:

[filkerdave.livejournal.com]

Ahh..somone I DO know then?

If it's who I'm thinking of.

Re:

[ailsaek.livejournal.com]

Yup, assuming that you're thinking of who I'm thinking of and we're both thinking of the right person. (Isn't that beautifully convoluted?)

Re:

[numbat.livejournal.com]

It's rather funny, in a perverted sort of way, how nobody dare offer more than the merest hints to identify this character as if doing anything else will cause him to appear in a pillar of fire (and live in your loungeroom for six months). Assuming it's who I think it is he has truely earned the title Son Of Claude Degler.

Re:

[redbird]

It's not the person I think Ailsa was asking about (and who I think you're also thinking about).

No further guesses or questions will be entertained at this time: had I wanted to state his name or identity beyond the description given, I would have.

Re:

[ailsaek.livejournal.com]

Apologies.

Re:

[redbird]

No problem.