Tuesday, November 13, 2007

What a Girl Wants

Brett is always accusing me of talking to strangers in public places, like the supermarket, restaurants, department stores - basically any "public place" that I find myself.

I know this to be untrue.

For, as blue as is the sky, I know I do not purposefully strike up conversations with random strangers.

But that, however, does not detract from the fact that random strangers seem to have no problem striking up conversations with me. As much as I try to avoid this situation, for fear of becoming the babbling old woman talking to anyone who will lend her an ear, there are times when it is simply unavoidable.

Sometimes, well most times, I get engaged with a lonely soul and leave the said "public place" grateful that I don't need to go to the grocery store for therapy, unless a case of juice boxes and jarred applesauce counts as therapy. I usually realize that, wow, there are a lot of people out there in the world with nobody to talk to and I am thankful that I have friends and family to confide my troubles in so that I don't air all my dirty laundry in the check-out line while the girl I went to high school with (the biggest gossip in town) rings up my groceries.

Each time I approach the check-out stand, I fear that this will happen and I try as hard as possible to hold my tongue. Take today, at Target (the other thing a girl wants), for example.

"Should I scan you?" The woman who should be retired, sitting at home in her Laz-y Boy recliner watching Judge Judy on afternoon television asks me.

"Yes, yes you should," I say, glancing back to see if my husband is listening and noticing that I did not start this one, "I am sure that I am very expensive."

"No, honey, for the wine."

"Oh, um, well, YES! Definitely. You should definitely scan me for the wine," I stumble.

"Well, I never know if I should or not. But you look really young," she says - at which point I would like to put her in one of those large-sized Target shopping bags and bring her home to dish out compliments like this one for the rest of my life.

"I think if you card any woman over 25, you're doing the right thing," I tell her with a wink.

And then I add, "And don't EVER call them m'am - that is the worst thing EVER!"

"But what should I call them then?" She asks.

"Call them all young lady even if they are 99."

At this point, Brett and Katie have left the area - too embarrassed to be seen with me - the lady behind me is laughing and the store clerk is beside herself.

She hands me my receipt and bags and then says, "Have a good day, miss!"

"Thanks, you too, young lady!" I answer, leaving the store to find my family, which, obviously, I am waaaay too young to have, after all, I did just turn 21!

12 comments:

painted maypole said...

love this, young lady!

i seem to attract these people as well. maybe we are some of the few people who will actually listen, and somehow they KNOW this.

Kellan said...

I do hate when they call me m'am! This was the cutest post! It sounds so much like my sister, who will talk to anyone and everyone loves her for that. Me, I'm always at the door, waving for her to COME ON! Fun post - see ya.

Kyla said...

Since I look about twelve, I can't appreciate this yet. LOL. I am ACTUALLY being carded and constantly being told that I am much too young to have children and a hubby. But one day, I'm sure I'll enjoy it.

Kelly said...

I attract those chatty people too! My kids are always asking, "Why do strangers always talk to you?"

sweatpantsmom said...

Target sells wine??!!

Obviously I'm spending way too much time in the detergent aisle.

Queen of the Mayhem said...

I have this same problem......maybe it's because we have kind faces....OR...maybe we just look like a couple of suckers!

Definitely the first one...definitely!

Becky at lifeoutoffocus said...

lol i totally agree. i love to be carded. i hope i'm carded when im 60!

Tabba said...

you are the sweetest.

miss ya.

Amanda said...

What a gift you have for the written word, you lovely lass, you.

Left Coast Sister said...

Ha! I bet she wanted to bag you up too, missy!
PS Young lady=good. Little lady= not so good. Hmm.

Ann(ie) said...

ha! I love it. I detest being called ma'am. ugh.

Molo said...

Gee, now who does this remind me of...someone we both know...