A few weekends ago, I was tasked with approaching some strangers in a mall to get some answers for a survey. While it may seem like nothing to most people, I didn’t find it very easy to do. Fortunately, I wasn’t alone and had my colleague’s help to carry it out. While I had to work up the nerve the approach strangers to ask them the questions, she went in like a pro, approaching crowds left and right with no hesitation. It was interesting watching the immense skill gap between the both of us.
I’m not physically incapable of talking to strangers, but I’m the kind of guy who dislikes being approached by strangers in public. Be it to sell me shit, talk about religion or beg for donations – I’ve never been in a situation where I’ve thought to myself, “I’m glad they came to me!” whenever it happens. For me to put myself in those shoes was immensely difficult.
I’ve had jobs approaching strangers before – but that was as a promoter in a supermarket. Having a product to push and being in a controlled environment made it much easier. It also helped that people would be curious about the stand I was in front of. All I had with me in the mall was a notebook, pen and company name tag.
Anyway, not much to say about that experience except that it was eye-opening for me. I guess we’re all proficient at different things in life, and I’m the kind of guy who’s more comfortable behind the scenes instead of out talking to people on the streets. But it’s a skill I’ll pick up one day, as it’s more beneficial to have than not.
Category: Thoughts
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Talking to Strangers
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It’s great being an adult
Today, a thought crossed my mind while I was having dinner and I saw a kid a few tables away having his meal with his family. He was the only child seated there, the rest of them were old-ass people chatting and eating. It’s great being an adult.
Sure, these days it’s not too bad being a kid – everyone has got their own tablets and smartphones to keep themselves occupied during a boring dinner. But I remember when I was young, the countless times I had to follow my family out because I was too young to be left at home by myself.
I’d sit down with the aunts and uncles, bored out of my mind, waiting for the adults to finish talking so I could go home to watch my favorite TV shows, read a book or play some video games.
Now that I’m old enough, I’m able to decline invitations to dinners I don’t want to attend. If I do attend them, I can occasionally speak to adults or other people closer to my age. I can order a drink and enjoy some alcohol. I can pull out my phone to browse reddit, play games or watch videos on YouTube. When I feel like it, I can just walk out for a smoke. Assuming I drove to the venue by myself, I can make an early exit to do whatever I want. There’s really no expectation for me to be present (barring important occasions). Everyone’s an adult now – they know I have shit to do with my time as well (these days it’s leveling up my Battle Pass kek).
I don’t miss being that kid who didn’t have a say in his parents’ social engagements. Being old does come with benefits. Now when I think of it, who wants to be young again? I mean, sure – nobody likes looking like an old fuck, but if you are an old fuck then what’s wrong with looking like one? I think I look my age these days, and I’m cool with that.
It’s great being an adult.
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Toilet Thoughts
One thing I’ve noticed while waiting for my turn in public toilets is that there are dudes who stare at other people’s dicks while pissing. I’m not sure why they do it, but they do. I’m not sure if it’s wrong but I think not everybody is comfortable with their dongs being stared at.
Why do people use the water from the urinals to wash their hands? I first noticed this when I was in Indonesia – I know the water that flows out from the pipe is technically clean, but why not just use the sink that’s available? It baffles my mind why people would do such things.
The other day, I completely forgot to flush the toilet bowl because I was in a rush. I didn’t get to see the reaction of the dude who walked into the stall after me but I only realized it while I was washing my hands. I hope he wasn’t too mad. I’m glad I have auto-flushing toilets at work so I never have to worry about forgetting.
Why do people have conversations on their phones in public toilets while taking shits? Don’t they care about the sounds that will be picked up over the microphone? On another note, why do people stand around having conversations in the toilet? Why not take a few steps outside so you don’t have to block an already cramped space?
I wonder if toilet cleaners make mental notes about people who use their toilet. Oh shit, not this guy again, sigh. *Puts on heavy-duty gloves*
Some people actually watch football games in the toilet without using headphones or muting their phones.
I wonder how many shit particles are stuck to our phones after a week of regular usage?
Just some random thoughts I’ve saved from my experience using public toilets.