Published on 12, July, 2020
Does anyone else struggle sometimes to do ‘appropriate’ greetings? You know, as the social skills textbook instructs, especially when hugely distracted by something else? Usually I can manage it, but this morning I may have managed to diversify!
I happened to need to pop to the Scout shop this morning to buy some badges for my Beavers. After I got out of my car I realised that there was what looked like a dead hedgehog by the side of the car park. So I had to stop for a few minutes to investigate whether a) it was actually a hedgehog, and b) it was actually dead. So after establishing those facts, I walked into the shop and rather than doing the textbook greeting, I just said “there’s a dead hedgehog in the car park!” Luckily they were fine with it, they even asked what group scarf it was wearing BUT this really isn’t the appropriate way for me to greet people who I haven’t seen for a few months!!
I've heard and said stranger things! Wouldn't worry too much! I remember seeing a guy I know on the bus, first thing he said was "I had a heart attack, smoked too many rocks on my 30th". The bus was full, but it didn't throw me out. I'd have been thrown out if he would have been any less than his usual crazy self. No filter at all that one.
I'm OK with greetings, it's banter that gets me into trouble. I can go way past the line, especially when it's that passive-aggressive crap.
I’m not worried, they know me in the shop and they took it well, a little bit of light relief after a busy morning! It just made me think how when I’m distracted and the mask slips, I really don’t adhere to the rules of ‘appropriate social interaction’. It’s not my default setting. But I’m ok with that.
I used to hear all sorts when I used to get the bus regularly!
I know what you mean about going past the line, I don’t always know when to stop with a joke!