Hi Neighbor!
It’s official. I have become “that” person.
And by “that” person, I mean the crazy lady in the store or on the street who talks to everyone and anyone. I can’t help myself. I don’t know if it is the effects of the pandemic, my age, or a combination, but I find myself more mellow, in less of a rush, willing to take my time…and eager to stop to talk to people.
Almost unrecognizable to myself!
But as it turns out, I like this new, less inhibited version of me. Sure, I might seem a bit cringe-worthy to my kids as they know I am going to comment to the young girl learning to roller skate in the neighborhood. How could I not? She seems so determined, just begging to be noticed. My son can’t help but respond, “Do you know her?” Of course not, dear son, but I want her to know that I am proud of her as if she were my own daughter!
Yes, I might sound a bit kooky standing in line next to someone wearing outlandish shoes or pants, but I must let them know how I much I appreciate, err, recognize, their flare for fashion. The same applies to hairstyles and hats, so beware. I am going to engage you in conversation if you dare to be bold.
So, simply stated, here are some of the highlights of what I garnered in the past week simply by chatting with random people (yes, strangers) during my “out and about” time as I ran errands all around the Main Line:
1. The man standing next to me in the deli line and wearing a bright red sweatshirt from the same college my son attended is indeed proud of his own son. A freshman, his boy recently sent his dad a text telling him how much he likes school. The Sweatshirt Dad proceeded to tell me where he went to college which just happened to be in upstate Pennsylvania where I grew up. And the world gets smaller.
2. The woman who walked out of the grocery store a few steps in front of me also peaked at the newspaper headlines stacked by the door. I caught her sneaking a peak and commented how I do the same. She went on to tell me she gets the New York Times delivered to her door because her daughter-in-law is a journalist at the Times – beaming with pride! In return, I told Beaming Mother-in-law that her daughter-in-law has my dream job which in turn caused her to quip, “Well, if you have the talent, it’s never too late.” Hmmm…
3. The woman who I held the door for at the vet because she was carrying a cage the size of suitcase had a rescue rabbit underneath the cover. Yes, I had to ask her – who wouldn’t be curious? Which led to a conversation of why the rabbit was there in which Rabbit Rescue Woman informed me she brings him in for laser treatment for his arthritis several times a month. Lucky rabbit! I went on to tell her my 13-year-old Golden retriever also has arthritis, and I was there to pick up his prescription but maybe laser treatment was the way to go. Of course, I will be calling the vet to inquire.
I could continue relaying my delightful encounters from the week, but you get the idea. For now, consider yourself warned if you see me coming your way on Lancaster Avenue. A nod or a smile is perfect, but a conversation or a few kind words go a long way and give us something to ponder as we make our way through the monotony of errands and chores.
Making new friends,
Jackie
I have found myself doing the EXACT same thing! I think it’s a nice change from the world we left where we were all just running from one thing to the next. It’s nice to stop, slow down and really have some meaningful exchanges with people.
I have found myself doing the EXACT same thing! I think it’s a nice change from the world we left where we were all just running from one thing to the next. It’s nice to stop, slow down and really have some meaningful exchanges with people.
View lessAgreed! I did it again this morning at the gym as I commented to the pregnant woman working out next to me! I can’t help myself these days, but it does make us feel more connected in a time when we really need it!
Agreed! I did it again this morning at the gym as I commented to the pregnant woman working out next to me! I can’t help myself these days, but it does make us feel more connected in a time when we really need it!
View less