Everyday iPod Awkwardness
March 27th, 2008 RachelI use my little pink iPod far more now that we’re back in the city. Mainly for long walks and subway travels. But there have been a couple instances where those tiny earbuds are not quite embarrassing…but still, they bring a certain awkwardness to an otherwise commonplace situation. I’m sure there are more circumstances I’ll stumble upon where the same weirdness crops up…but for now, these are my top two.
Elevators: big, big no-no. especially when there are people in there…even more so when said people are having a conversation. Somehow, having something to occupy yourself with makes you the big giant elephant in the room…they can’t help but look at you like, “Is your volume really loud enough that you can’t hear us? Or are you secretly listening to every word we say? We can’t tell - and it’s making us uncomfortable.” Not fun. Not fun at all.
Taxis: Okay, I kind of figured this one was going to feel wrong. But I had to give it a try anyway. Yep - this one is also not okay and forbidden. Usually I’m not a big cab driver conversationalist…but somehow putting up that barrier and transmitting all sorts of “DON’T TALK TO ME” signals feels rude and unnecessary. Fine, I’ll be a good person, listen to him talk on his radio and stare out the window. There’s still no conversation happening…but there’s at least the option for one.
Awkwardness knows where to find me - I’ll continue to investigate.
