No, it's not that time of the month
Watch out! I'm slowly developing some kind of righteous feminist anger, and you'd better stay out of my way. Don't ask me where this is coming from--I feel a bit like a Hillary supporter, even though I'm not--but I'll save the ranting for another time.
Today I was at a stoplight when I glanced over at the car next to me and a guy waved at me. I shot him an odd look, because I'm not a big fan of strange men just waving at me--and then I realized that I actually knew him. He went to my high school (although he was several years behind me, and just the fact that he is out working and married is enough to me make me cringe.) But anyway, I rolled down my window and we had a little chat while we waited for the light to turn green and all was well (he did comment on the look I gave him). Like I said, watch out.
And then tonight two little twerps who were about fourteen asked me, as I got out of my car, if I had a cigarette. Normally, when people ask me for something and I deny them, I'm apologetic. Homeless people get a sad shake of the head if they ask me for money, plus a regretful look and a "No, I'm sorry." I was about to do that with this kid--it's my natural reaction--and then I realized what I was being asked FOR.
"No." I said, and I wish I could somehow write the scorn that came out of me. As if that request was the most ridiculously stupid thing ever could have asked. That "No" conveyed about 10 messages--"I don't smoke" "smoking is stupid" "you're stupid for thinking I'd give you a cigarette" "why are you out on the streets after dark asking strangers for smokes" "go home to your mother and don't you dare start smoking, young man." And probably "get off my lawn, you little brats" too--I felt like a completely old and uncool person, and I so didn't care.
Then I thought hmm, I wonder if they'll deface my car in revenge. They didn't, but I wondered what I would do if I caught them. Shake my fist and run them off with my whuppin' stick? Or bash them on the head with my giant purse?
Today I was at a stoplight when I glanced over at the car next to me and a guy waved at me. I shot him an odd look, because I'm not a big fan of strange men just waving at me--and then I realized that I actually knew him. He went to my high school (although he was several years behind me, and just the fact that he is out working and married is enough to me make me cringe.) But anyway, I rolled down my window and we had a little chat while we waited for the light to turn green and all was well (he did comment on the look I gave him). Like I said, watch out.
And then tonight two little twerps who were about fourteen asked me, as I got out of my car, if I had a cigarette. Normally, when people ask me for something and I deny them, I'm apologetic. Homeless people get a sad shake of the head if they ask me for money, plus a regretful look and a "No, I'm sorry." I was about to do that with this kid--it's my natural reaction--and then I realized what I was being asked FOR.
"No." I said, and I wish I could somehow write the scorn that came out of me. As if that request was the most ridiculously stupid thing ever could have asked. That "No" conveyed about 10 messages--"I don't smoke" "smoking is stupid" "you're stupid for thinking I'd give you a cigarette" "why are you out on the streets after dark asking strangers for smokes" "go home to your mother and don't you dare start smoking, young man." And probably "get off my lawn, you little brats" too--I felt like a completely old and uncool person, and I so didn't care.
Then I thought hmm, I wonder if they'll deface my car in revenge. They didn't, but I wondered what I would do if I caught them. Shake my fist and run them off with my whuppin' stick? Or bash them on the head with my giant purse?
Labels: Lancaster Life, Political Animals, Snarky
posted by Melanie at 10:52 PM
