Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Do I LOOK Like a Freakin' People Person?!?

What is it about close proximity that makes people feel compelled to start up inane conversations? It would be different if I had chosen to sit next to you on the plane, but when we don't really have a choice, what social protocol dictates that you ramble on about everything that comes to mind? I don't want to hear about your political views, how much money you lost in your investments, how you feel about the weather, or comments on how attractive the local women are (or aren't). When I have my iPod in hand with one earphone in place already and am just waiting for the flight attendant to either give the announcement it is now safe to use approved electronic devices or to look the other way before I put in the other earphone, this is NOT my invitation to you to engage in pointless conversation.

On the way back from San Diego, the guy next to me went on for five minutes about how it was okay for the flight attendants to make jokes during their announcements, but pilots shouldn't do it (this really upset him apparently). On and on about how pilots have more important things to do than to be thinking of their next joke. Get a grip buddy...

Yesterday on the way to Vancouver, I had my laptop bag with me. I got it at a Subway convention, so naturally it has the Subway logo on it. I expect a certain number of the obvious "do you work for Subway?" questions, even the occassional "do you know Jared?" but this time it was "is that Subway like the restaurants, or subway like the trains?" Seriously?!?

"It's subway the trains. I love trains. I took engineering in university, but dropped out after the first semester when I realized it had nothing to do with trains."

For the love of baby seals everywhere, just stop talking to me when I'm trying so hard to ignore you. To paraphrase Dilbert, "I'm not antisocial, I'm anti idiot..."

2 comments:

Kelli said...

I love it!!!! There are idiots everywhere, but I have found no way to discourage the "extra friendly" ones that are always on airplanes. I have yet to see if getting out the barf bag is effective:).

Anonymous said...

I was on a flight from ireland to london using a budget carrier. The landing was rough. The plane slid from right to left and veered right on touch down. Man opposite starts telling me he flies this route every week and this is the worst he has ever had. These pilots are ex navy and used to bounce landings on carriers etc etc etc.....as we exit the aircraft he's lecturing the stewards..........SHUDDUUUUUUUUUPPPPPP!