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Seriously... What is with these guys?

"Hey ... I'm Michael!"

"Congratulations"

I was sitting in one of my favorite café's not far from the Watson Institute. The breakfast rush was over and we were nowhere near lunch so the place was near empty (the way I like it).

I was spread out all over the table ... a large textbook, my laptop, and my tablet ... and I was typing away on the laptop. In the midst of my mess was a half consumed cup of tea. Yes, for those of you who don't yet know, I am back in the world of academia.

So I'm deep in a very focused thought process and formulating my paper on the laptop while reviewing my class notes on my tablet and this random dude sits at my table and says hey. 🙄

"I figured I'd introduce myself since I've seen you here a bunch of times."

"Mission complete," and I continued typing.

"So you're obviously in the grad school, huh?"

"Figure that out all by yourself?" and still I haven't looked up.

I really hate when this happens. I mean I feel bad for the guy, but his social issues aren't my problem; I'm busy. AND, he's clearly an undergrad and I'm thirty freakin' years old (and engaged). I know I look younger, but come on! Open your eyes dude! There is zero chance.

"I'm just trying to be friendly."

Finally I look up. "Yes, I did notice that. I, on the other hand, am trying really hard to make productive use of the time I have here today."

"Making friends isn't productive?"

"I have friends."

"Can I at least get your name?"

"On one condition."

"Yes?"

"That you take the win and walk away."

"Deal."

"Hi Michael, I'm Sara. Nice to meet you," and I present a fist for a bump (a handshake would encourage him far too much).

"Hi Sara! What are you working on?"

"Take the win Michael."

"Oh, right, okay. I'll see you around."





This was this morning in Providence. I could've gone right to "I'm engaged", but honestly that's none of his business and he could've just noticed the ring.

Anyway, I might need to find a new fav café. 🙄
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pdockal · 56-60, M
I'm not trying to be rude but you were in a public place ... not the library or office ... so i don't see the harm
sarabee1995 · 26-30, F
@pdockal Not rude at all. Legit opinion. I guess my point was I was actively typing on my laptop with a textbook and a tablet open and spread out over a table in a nearly empty cafe. He then chose to sit down at my table (not one of the many empty ones) and began talking to me when I was quite obviously occupied. 🤷‍♀
pdockal · 56-60, M
@sarabee1995

Your missing my point
If you don't want to be interrupted you shouldn't be in a public place irregardless of your busy or not
Once you step into public your " inviting" contact
sarabee1995 · 26-30, F
@pdockal Yes, I get your point. But aren't their implied limits within the rules of etiquette?

If a table is occupied in a relatively empty café, would you just sit at the occupied table?

And if you did decide to do so, wouldn't you start with, "is this seat taken?" or "may I join you?"

So, yes, I get your point. I just think he was presumptuous.
pdockal · 56-60, M
@sarabee1995

Maybe in a normal world but we don't live in one anymore
sarabee1995 · 26-30, F
@pdockal Yup. On that we agree. 😔
pdockal · 56-60, M
@sarabee1995

My generation would have usually inquired
But the younger ones typically weren't taught manners
sarabee1995 · 26-30, F
@pdockal I was. Which is why his breach of etiquette was offensive to me.
pdockal · 56-60, M
@sarabee1995

We'll have to agree to disagree
sarabee1995 · 26-30, F
@pdockal Sorry, I thought we were in agreement? His behavior was a breach of the etiquette that you and I were taught as kids, right?

I mean, I suppose we can disagree if you'd prefer. I just thought we were in agreement. 🤷‍♀