|
|
Post by Back to being Cenanuff on Nov 8, 2009 17:48:41 GMT -5
I was walking into Sam's Club, and while I was in the parking lot on the way in, I hear this voice say "how you doin?". I look over, and it's this old guy, apparently starting a conversation out of nowhere, since I didn't even make eye contact with him. So I just kinda let out this "fine," and all of a sudden he goes off. "That's good, I'm fine too. Thanks for asking, like I asked you!". I just kinda kept on walking, but that just struck me as weird. Am I obligated to have a conversation with someone I didn't even look at, just because they said something to me?
|
|
|
|
Post by MGH on Nov 8, 2009 17:49:52 GMT -5
I mean I'm all for being polite and chatting up people, but that was just odd. Like he was congratulating you for passing some kind of test.
|
|
|
|
Post by Back to being Cenanuff on Nov 9, 2009 10:13:09 GMT -5
I just think he was a little loopy and lonely at the same time. Why else would he start a conversation with a random person who hadn't even acknowledged him yet, and then get offended that the conversation didn't go anywhere?
|
|
Mozenrath
FANatic
Foppery and Whim
Speedy Speed Boy
Posts: 121,125
|
Post by Mozenrath on Nov 9, 2009 10:22:22 GMT -5
I can see a little why he'd be offended, but he ought to know better at this point in life than to think everyone handles things the way he does.
|
|
Phosphor Glow
Bill S. Preston, Esq.
Is a real girl!
Posts: 19,873 
|
Post by Phosphor Glow on Nov 9, 2009 10:26:17 GMT -5
Yeah that's just a strange situation. I probably would've asked how he was doing as well...but just asking a random stranger who totally didn't even meet your gaze how his day is is a little bizarre.
|
|
Mozenrath
FANatic
Foppery and Whim
Speedy Speed Boy
Posts: 121,125
|
Post by Mozenrath on Nov 9, 2009 10:35:31 GMT -5
Yeah that's just a strange situation. I probably would've asked how he was doing as well...but just asking a random stranger who totally didn't even meet your gaze how his day is is a little bizarre. Might of been lonely, might of been a creep. I guess that's part of why these situations are so awkward, we don't know where strangers stand on this spectrum. |
|
|
|
Post by OblivionSorceress on Nov 9, 2009 10:49:43 GMT -5
Aww, I kind of feel bad for the old guy. I think he was just lonely and maybe he had a mental problem. I hope he wasn't homeless.  But that is kind of weird and I don't blame you for doing what you did. |
|
|
|
Post by Clash, Never a Meter Maid on Nov 9, 2009 10:51:49 GMT -5
That sort of thing's happened to me before- I usually just halfheartedly say "yeah, nice weather today" if I'm too busy.
The optimist in me thinks that it's good more people take the time out to be generally friendly, but the cynic in me says they might be a tad mental.
|
|
|
|
Post by Avalanche Alvarez on Nov 9, 2009 12:43:07 GMT -5
I was walking into Sam's Club, and while I was in the parking lot on the way in, I hear this voice say "how you doin?". I look over, and it's this old guy, apparently starting a conversation out of nowhere, since I didn't even make eye contact with him. So I just kinda let out this "fine," and all of a sudden he goes off. "That's good, I'm fine too. Thanks for asking, like I asked you!". I just kinda kept on walking, but that just struck me as weird. Am I obligated to have a conversation with someone I didn't even look at, just because they said something to me? Nope. And I give you permission to flip 'em off if they get "smart" with you. That would've pissed me off. |
|
|
|
Post by Brandon Walsh is Insane. on Nov 9, 2009 12:48:32 GMT -5
Talking never hurt anyone.
Not like they invited you into his van or something.
|
|
But that is kind of weird and I don't blame you for doing what you did. 
