Library silence sign
cafe-ole @ stock.xchng

I’d happily take a big detour, or walk around the block to avoid bumping into someone. And then I bump into them anyway. “Oh hi, what a coincidence.” Wow, what a liar.

I’d stand in the stairwell if I know that if I walk out a minute or two sooner, I might have to make small talk with someone that I bump into the building occasionally. You know what, I really don’t want to know what’s up with you. I only ask because yeah, I got nothing else to say to you. Man, I hate that.

I’d pretend to stare out the window of the bus or train if I see in my peripheral vision someone whom I want to avoid eye contact with, just in case they recognise me and force me into small talk when I just want to sit and day dream away on my trip home or to work. It’s ok, we don’t have to talk. Really.

I stifle my natural smile and look stern, in case random people think it’s an invitation to make small talk about the weather or “oh, I didn’t know you take this bus/train too.” Yeah I do, and silence is golden.

Unless I’m in a social situation, I don’t like making small talk. Speed-dating is not a social situation. It’s fake and forced. Stop suggesting that idea to me.

I sound like I’m an anti-social bastard, and that is true. I have to be in the mood or I have to know you well and like spending time with you, or both, to be able to make small talk and let it mean something more than just you know, small talk. I think you deserve more than just empty words. Everyone does really. I don’t want your empty words, and I’m sure you don’t want mine.

So yeah that’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it.