Exchanging Pleasantries
Consider this to be a cautionary tale or whatever the hell you want to call it. As the 17 longtime readers know I have a home office that I work out of. Some of you may recall that my children finished school yesterday and began their summer break.
And so it was that I found myself sharing the house/office with lots of little people who had given up their work responsibilities and not a single care about my own. Granted at the same age I wouldn’t have spent a moment wondering or worrying about whether my father was working so I can’t fault my own offspring for their behavior.
Anyhoo, I made a point of scheduling a mid day haircut. As my locks had grown long and fuzzy it seemed to be an appropriate time to have them shorn as well as a good opportunity to catch my breath and clear my head. However I was inundated with work and overwhelmed by a giant caseload of crap so the escape didn’t feel like time away. I spent most of the time at the barbershop worrying about how I was going to get it all done.
So you can imagine that upon my return to my domicile I wasn’t in the mood to engage in small talk, play games or deal with any shenanigans. My kids recognized this and made a point of providing me with a quick hug and an abbreviated pledge of allegiance. It is only right, I am Lord of the Manor and Master of My Domain, but I digress.
In addition to my own children the house contained some friends of theirs and another parent who upon seeing me learned that I don’t like exchanging silly pleasantries. She asked me how I was doing and I said that I have been better. The look of shock on her face spoke volumes. Had I not been in haste I would have added that I don’t like to be asked how I am doing unless one is truly interested in hearing my response.
Those who know me well are aware of this and have seen me offer some shocking responses to those who use these silly remarks frivolously. Comments like, “I hope you are doing well” are often met with “not really, that fungus has returned and it is highly contagious.” Or if I am feeling saucy I might mention that my probation officer is not going to be happy when he hears about my day.
One day I think that I shall have to record these exchanges on tape as the facial expressions are priceless.
Comments