Awkward Encounters

So you’re walking to class/work/to the store/your dog/your cat, and you come across someone whom you normally see somewhere that isn’t where you’re currently standing, whether it be at school, at work, or any other place you met them. Suddenly, you feel awkward. Has this happened to you? I know it happens to me.

I find it strange that we are weird about meeting people socially that we normally know through somewhere business related. In other words, seeing someone you know NOT in the place you normally hang with them, it feels awkward to talk to them. For example: I met someone recently who I only know around my dorm area, and they looked directly at me at least three or four times, and didn’t say a word. Sure, I could have waved, or just shouted, “HEY!”, seeing as I was about twenty-five feet away from him. 

Is it just impossible to acknowledge that these people you know CAN and WILL appear in your life, and that it’s perfectly okay to talk to them outside your natural comfort zone with them? This could apply to anything! When you have a person you talk to a lot in one of your classes, you feel pretty comfortable around them. Once you see them anywhere else, such as the grocery store, or a pet store, you become uncomfortable with that person. Can this really affect how we act around this person? And how is it that we just seem to forget who they are when we aren’t seeing them in places we normally see them? This bothers me. It really grinds my gears. How can you just act as if you’ve never seen them when you have absolutely awesome conversations with them in your common meeting area? I wish I could figure this out, but human motives aren’t always so clear. Could it be because they’re used to seeing you in a certain place, and when you see them elsewhere, it throws you off guard? In my opinion, that shouldn’t affect much, but what can you do? 

Kind of a sporadic topic, but hey, that’s what I do. I comment on those random happenings in life that keep you pondering.

Just Another Reflection on Life and Human Behavior

So this is gonna be quite a random post, but it’s something I want to rant about. 

Have you ever just been walking by yourself, or with others, or with your cat, and you notice someone that you are acquainted with, and you say, “Hey, (whatever their name is)!”. When they see you, they say, “Oh hey what’s up?” as they walk right past you, without stopping. I just kind of think, “the point of that was…?” They don’t give you a chance to respond to their question. It also bugs me when the circumstances are the same, but instead they’re like “Hey how are you?” as you walk by each other. It makes me feel bad for not responding, and asking them about their well being, but they don’t give me the chance, seeing as their walking away. What are we supposed to do when people do that? Progressively speak louder as their walking away in order to respond to their question? Wouldn’t that be socially awkward? 

I guess my point is, if the person is going to bother to ask “What’s up?” or “How are you?” as you’re walking by them, they should at least have the decency to stop and have a very brief conversation with you. It doesn’t even have to last a whole minute. Just enough to ask how each other is doing, and if one or both parties is in a hurry, they can vocalize that, and be on their way. Manners, people. They get you places.

Stranger Danger!

Remember when we were little, and parents would tell us all about what to do if a stranger approaches you? I sure do! I remember them saying the cliché situations, such as, “If they offer you candy, say no!” and, “If they ask you to help you find their puppy, don’t.” There were other great examples I’m sure, but wouldn’t it be at least a tad bit funny if you could mess with them a bit? 

If you’re a teen or adult, you can still get approached by strangers, but at least you have wits on your side, instead of being a small, naive child trying to ward off a fifty-year-old man or woman. I think it would be funny (but maybe not ideal, so don’t try this at home, haha!) to mess with them a bit, and there’s ways you can do it for both being a child and being an adult. 

Stranger: “Hey, I’ve got some candy. Wanna see what I have?”

Child: “Candy makes me vomit.”

Stranger: “I’ve seemed to have lost my puppy. Can you help me find it?”

Child: “Puppies are the spawn of Satan. My mommy says if I touch one, I’ll die.”

Well, those are pretty funny, right? If you didn’t think so, then you sure can think of your own ways to mess with them. Do you want to see some adult ones? Okay!

Bum on Street: “Hey wanna buy some drugs?”

Teen/Adult: “I don’t think my insurance will pay for that…” 

Some random person: “Hey baby girl you lookin’ fine!”

Lady: “Why does everyone think I’m a woman!?” 

A very not-classy girl: “Hey big daddy, wanna spend the night with me?”

Man: “Wait. So…will it be, like, normal? Or will it be like throwing a pencil down a hallway?”

So you may or may not have found my examples funny. Oh well! Yes, these random strangers are human too, but the thought of messing with them could be kind of funny. I don’t really recommend it, for obvious reasons of course. I mean, they might adore vomiting children, or women who are actually men. Just remember: Stranger Danger!

Jealousy

Let’s face it: We all get jealous. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, until it drives you to do undesirable things, but that’s beside the point. Why do we get jealous? Is there any way of controlling it?

I think jealously is a sign that we want more than what we’re getting. We can see a couple holding hands and kissing, and become jealous because we aren’t getting that same treatment. Jealousy though, can create bitterness because we want what we think we’re missing out on so bad, that it drags us down to a point to where we just can’t be happy. It’s almost impossible not to go a lifetime without feeling jealousy, and it can me the most minor of our issues, but depending on the intensity of how jealous you become, it can become more than just a problem.

To be able to explain my next example further…I’m gay. I’m attracted to guys. Yup. That’s me. The biggest problem I face, and notice from being a gay male is that I almost literally have no male friends. It’s as if once they figure out I’m gay, all other aspects of me disappear, and that’s all they can concentrate on. I feel like I’m getting alienated and mistreated by straight males, just because of who I am. What straight male can be friends with someone who can have a possibility of being attracted to them? In my experiences, apparently none of them, but my mind is still subject to change.

I become jealous because I work ten times as hard as any other guy just to be friends with somebody I admire, and I always fall short. I don’t get all creeper on them, I don’t flirt with them, I don’t try to talk to them all the time, so I always wonder what on earth I could be doing wrong. Two straight guys can easily become friends just by talking for a few minutes. I talk to them for months on end, and there’s still, somehow, no common ground. Why? Well, and this is just me: I’m gay.

Jealously can not only hurt you, but if you become to obsessed with your jealousy, you can hurt the one your emotions are targeting as well. I believe it’s normal to feel this way, but it’s not healthy to feel it all the time. Be careful out there.

Compliments

Ah, compliments. It’s something that warms one’s heart. To those who receive them constantly, it could be a pain, but to those who rarely get them, well, it could make their day. Compliments can be given to someone about anything. They can be given to the person about the person, but in my eyes, people don’t always receive it the right way. Through my experience, there comes a certain age where complimenting someone, such as, “You are very pretty” or “I like your ascot” or “Your eyes are like, so dreamy”, becomes awkward, and almost unwanted.

When you see someone’s baby or toddler, you might immediately think “Aw they’re so cute!” and you then tell them, “Your son/daughter is so cute!” When they’re that little, you can’t possibly be thinking any creepy thoughts about the physical appearance of this child, so what’s the harm in complimenting them? Now when a child becomes maybe five, six, or seven years of age, (though it’s more of just an appearance thing, if they look too old to say “they’re so cute!” then your gut will let you know), the creepy thoughts vibe can come out. I had a recent experience with this (no not the creepy thoughts part, you perverts.) I was in a sandwich place and a father walked in with his little girl who I thought was adorable. She only added to this by bustin’ out her awesome dance moves. I wanted to say, “She’s so adorable!”, but she looked maybe old enough to where that could of crossed the boundary. 

There’s no definite time when it becomes awkward, you just kind of take a guess. Why does it have to be awkward, though? Can’t we just say things like, “You’re very pretty” or “I like your hair. Who does your hair? I wanna go there. (Song reference)”, without the other person thinking there’s an ulterior motive?  To me, it’s just simply noticing something about someone, and making it known that you admire that aspect of them. What’s so creepy about that? In fact, I challenge you, readers! Don’t just sit back and think “Oh man that guy’s hair is so awesome, but I can’t tell him because then he will think I want to stalk him”. There’s your misfortune, and find your happiness by breaking out of your shell and compliment someone. If you see someone who’s wearing an awesome hat, say so! If someone is “hot”, tell them! Well, maybe just say they’re pretty. Yes, even if they’re a man. I’m sure him and his prettiness will appreciate it.

Drifting

It’s that time. Getting ready to move forward with life. Yup, little Jeffy-poo, along with all of his high school friends and anyone else who this applies to, are going to college. 

I’ll be moving into a dorm with a perfect stranger (well other than a few conversations over social networks and through text messages), and leaving all the friends and family I have down in my hometown. I don’t want to be leaving them, but I have to know how to let go. There are friends I feel are distancing from me, and I fear that this big step in life will be like taking a million mile long step away from them. I’m not ready to lose some of the friends who won’t be in college with me, and I know this will make it harder to see each other and keep our friendship strong. I’m also afraid of being on my own, and making choices for myself. Being under parents’ roofs is easier, just having to be ordered to do things, and they give you food, shelter, and safety. 

Since I try to do it in every blog post, where’s the happiness in this? Well, having to make your own choices and live by your own rules can give you the perfect training for living on your own (since you can’t be a child forever). There’s nothing like being thrown right into what you’re trying to learn. As for the friends…I suppose this would be the ultimate test for both you and the friends you’re leaving. If they want to continue the friendship you have with them, they would be more than willing to keep in contact with you, and to plan days where you can spend time catching up on what each other has missed. The catch is though, it’s not just their job. You have to make the effort too. That’s how friendships work. If only one person is trying to keep it alive, it’s either a lost cause, or someone is a stalker. Just saying.

Battle Royale!

I was watching the japanese movie, “Battle Royale” last night until two in the morning (which is when I should have been sleeping, but oh well), and it had me thinking. Well, before I give my opinion, I suppose I should say what it’s about for the people who haven’t seen it.

It’s about a freshman class in high school who is sent to a deserted island to fight to the death, and the last one standing gets to return home. This was because the government enacted the BR act when they felt the teenage population was becoming apathetic about their futures and the way that they treat their elders. 

I thought this was, by far, one of the cruelest things I’ve seen, but they acted as if there was SOME justice to it, which I disagree. The poor kids are forced to kill each other. Many of them ran off in different directions, many also went head-on into the killing, and few didn’t even make it to the fearful game. I don’t think it would ever happen, but what if our government was that way? (By our, I suppose I mean any government). I know if I was sent into the Royale, I would be too scared to do anything. Whether or not I knew the death of all my other classmates would allow me to come home, I don’t think I could go through with it. Fight for my own life at the expense of others would scare me out of my wits. Where’s the joy in this? Not quite sure. The lesson that was trying to be taught by the act they ensued was brought about in a horrible manner. I mean, I suppose it works. When they’re dead, they can’t misbehave. The winner then knows that they could end up like their classmates if they misbehave

Childish I-Feel-Like-Everyone-Dislikes-Me-Ness.

I struggle with the fact that I think people don’t like me. I try talking to them, and I feel like I get nowhere. They ignore me, blow me off, completely show how uninterested they are…etc. I’ve gotten to a point where I want to ask myself, “Why do I even bother?” and give up, but I know why I bother to go out of my way to talk to certain people. It’s because I want to get to know them and I want to be able to have some sort of friendship with them. When I notice things aren’t going how I want, I get upset and just want to pack my bags and ship myself off to Australia, because then at least the kangaroos will take care of me.

I suppose that happiness in this misery would be, “They don’t deserve you!” It could also be, “Who cares? You’re amazing!” One, it doesn’t really matter whether they deserve to be friends with you or not. Second, if I’m so amazing, why don’t they see it? The horrible, but true joy in this tragedy is that you’re probably much better off without them. If things just don’t seem to be working out, maybe it’s better to call it quits before you hurt yourself even more. I know for a fact that I can never call it quits, because I’m too stubborn and determined. For you, the reader, if you’re having this problem, follow my good advice. Do as I say, not as I do. I wish I wasn’t so flawed as to throw myself into more hurt and sadness, but I always try to see a light at the end of the tunnel. One day, I hope I’ll reach it.

Oh, That Stupid Cupid

Being interested, or liking someone: Which is more frustrating?

Being interested in someone is like seeing a beautiful slice of cake, and you want to take a bite, but you don’t just want to dig right in. There’s always that barrier that prevents you from being more than just interested. Whether it’s because you can never find the right time to talk to them, or they are just the most ridiculous person to talk to (and I’m not saying ridiculously entertaining), you just don’t feel like there can ever be a connection, no matter how much you want to get to know this person. 

If being interested has escalated into “liking” them, this becomes a different story. Now you’ve inspected the cake well enough to eat it, but you aren’t sure if this cake will give you major indigestion. When you like someone, you know that you want to at least give them a try at a relationship with you, but you can never be too sure if they want one at all. This can be emotionally tiring, and even nauseating at times. Nauseating? How so? Well, in the sense that you like them so much, that you find them to be a “jerk” or, as the kids call it these days, a “douche bag” because they show little or no sign that they have mutual attractions to you. It becomes an emotional fiasco that no one should have to deal with.

The bright side? Bitter, but possibly true: it isn’t meant to be. If there’s no time, or no incentive to speak with someone you are interested in, you probably won’t end up growing romantically attached to them. When it comes to liking someone that won’t show any signs that they like you back, it’s hard to face facts, but it’s emotionally draining to deal with that kind of situation. If you’re interested in/liking someone currently, that’s great! Be careful, and I hope things go well for you. If they aren’t, don’t push things, denying that they do not like you yet. Believe me, you will be known as “pushy psycho” by all of their friends, as well as the friends of those friends. You don’t want that. One of them could be that soul mate of yours.

Band Practice

So today, I had marching band practice from 2:30 to about 3:30, which is short compared to our normal practices. When you live in Phoenix, Arizona, and it’s anywhere between April and November, you’re sure to sweat all the liquids out of your body. To be honest, I considered just not going to practice. Many thoughts went through my head. “It’s only for an hour.” “Today was my last day of school! I don’t wanna immediately go back!” (By the way, I’m practicing after my last day of school for a trip in July). The last thing I wanted to do was sweat and run out of breath.

Well the good thing is, I’m glad I went. I got more exercise (which I need) and I got to visit with friends. You know, the good stuff. It’s also comforting to know that you aren’t the only one sweating your bum off out there in the 100+ degree weather, though. When you’re the only one who’s sweaty, it kinda sucks, and you get self conscious, which makes you even sweatier. When you’re in a group of sweaty people, it’s pretty gross, but at least you don’t worry about how much perspiration is currently squirting out of your pores and slowly evaporating or drying and hardening onto your skin. Then when you shower and the water runs down your face and into your eye, you get to experience the most wonderful stinging sensation in your eye. Aren’t you glad you didn’t miss out on practice?

High School Graduate

Here’s to my first post in my blog! I really hope you readers enjoy what I have to say about making light of unfortunate events in anyone’s everyday life. 

My first topic…High school graduations. I, indeed, will be a graduate on May 28th, 2010. This isn’t unfortunate, however. It is just sad to go our separate ways and leave a place we called “home” for four years. Others would disagree with this “home” business about high school, but that’s only because they haven’t made the most of it. Those same people are probably the ones who say, “I hate high school!” Now, I’ve been known to say this, but there are things about it I hate. The petty drama: BIGGEST ONE. Once I get my diploma handed to me, I will be saying syonara to all that high school drama. Of course, I will have to deal with other drama, but it’s just much different when it isn’t in a high school setting. 

As for going separate ways, this is more of a bittersweet feeling. Whereas crying would be in order because you and your “bestest friend in the whole wide world” are being separated for life, I say, “Puh-lease.” They’re your best friend, right? I suppose you have some form of contacting them, and unless you’re billions of miles away, fate isn’t trying to make you go your separate ways. The other side to this has to do with your, “enemies”. There are always those people in your life that are ridiculously impossible to get along with. You will definitely be looking forward to leaving these people. In other cases, you may not have bitter feelings toward these people, and maybe they just consider youthe enemy. Instead of letting this get you down, why not mend it? Don’t leave a place where you have regrets that you know you can fix. It would be the best feeling in the world knowing that you walked across that stage having no controllable regrets, would it not?

As the cliche goes, graduating high school graduation is the end of the beginning. It’s the close of one chapter in your life, and a beginning to another. Since we’re comparing this to a story, doesn’t the next chapter carry on with the same story? The characters, plot, and setting  (maybe) will stay the same. So don’t think moving onto the next chapter means you leave everything behind, just live life as you normally did! Though, I recommend that you don’t keep attending high school graduation. Not only is it unnecessary, but I guarantee the teachers will think you’re a bit crazy. In any other case, who cares? In this one, don’t be crazy.