'So, what do you do?'
The very sentence fills me with dread. Why? You may ask. Because, my dear friends, it is the perfect opportunity for others to form their opinions of a person, and let's face it, it gets pretty darn awkward form there on.
You may say that it is quite an univasive question, and I really shouldn't mind people asking me. I beg to differ.
Here are possibly honest, potentially untruthful answers that I have actually given, which lead to all sorts of odd situations.
'So, what do you do?'
'I'm a student.'
'Ohhh, okay', inside their heads thinking that I must'nt have much money, like all students. 'What do you study?'
I brace myself. 'Design'. Immediately their faces light up. A real, live creative!
"Wow, that's so cool! What sort of design? Like, Architecture or something?'
'Uh, no, actually. Fashion.' Now, watch them as they try to keep that same excited look on their faces. You can almost see them take back everything they thought about me not having money. My intellect suddenly dissapears in their eyes, and they begin scrutinising everything I'm wearing.
'Ahh, fashion. Do you enjoy that?'
Uhh, yes. Yes, I do. I don't think I'd be wasting three years on my life and more money than I care to announce on something I don't enjoy. 'Uhh, yeah, I do. Yeah.' Awkward silence ensues.
'So, what do you do?'
'Nothing, I'm un-employed.'
'Ahh. So how do you live?'
I'm sorry, did I miss the part where it suddenly became socially acceptable to talk to the un-employed about money issues?
'I manage.'
'Ahh. That's, um, great.' Awkward silence ensues.
'Nothing.'
'Nothing?' Nervous chuckle, wondering if I'm actually being serious.
'Yeah. I'm homeless.'
'Wha..? Um, seriously?'
'No. Not seriously. I live on the beach.'
'Like, on the beach?'
'Yes. I dig myself a hole to sleep in every night. I have eight cats and they stand guard as I dream.'
Awkward silence ensues.
And that's why I dread the question.
And now I'm off, go burden someone else with your invasive questions!
No comments:
Post a Comment