08 January 2008

Beware Strange Neighbors

It wasn't long ago that I posted about how I don't like talking to people. I have been getting flack for it so I would like to elaborate. With me is really isn't an irrational fear, the fact is, I'm not good at talking to people. I usually end up sounding like a moron when I do.

During the Christmas break we got all sorts of goody plates from our new neighbors. We seem to have moved to a very friendly area and I have genuinely made a effort to be friendly myself. When one particular neighbor dropped off a selection of treats I asked her what size of shoe her granddaughter wore because Madison had an adorable pair of shoes that she had grown out of. She left and I went to go check the size on the shoes but found they were too small. Instead I grabbed a few other things Madison had grown out of to see if she would want any of them.

I worked the scenario out in my head before delivering the goods

1. She answers the door
2. I tell her the shoes are too small
3. I offer her the other clothes
4. She either accepts or rejects them
5. I go home

Feeling confident, I walked to her house, knocked on the door and, oh no . . . her husband answered. Crap. I was completely thrown for a loop. I had NO idea what to say. He didn't know about the shoes. How could I possibly start this conversation? Should I tell him his wife came over and I told her about the shoes? Does he even care about that? Oh crap, I needed to say something. Anything is better than standing on his front step freaking out.

I said nothing. Instead, I shoved the clothes in his general direction. He looked at me like I was a bit crazy but took the clothes. I think he mumbled some like, "uh . . . what?"

I brilliantly came up with "Madison grew out of those."

"uh okay"

"Well, maybe they'll fit your granddaughter?"

"Oh! Sure. Thanks."

"I'm sorry . . . I'm an idiot."

Yes. I'm AM an idiot. I actually apologized to him before leaving. THIS is why I do not like talking to people.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

When I come I am so making cookies and having you deliver them to your neighbors, in exchange for them giving you goodies in December! If I'm conquering my fears you should conquer this!

tyler and ali said...

Maybe its better for everyone if she doesn't conquer that fear. Maybe she should just give people stuff when she says something she regrets (I've been eyeing this purse you knitted...just kidding). See, the problem is that you take the moronic things you say too personally. I just know I say idiotic things and figure that people will eventually learn to deal with it. And sometimes that even works...look at you, you've been putting up with me for 10 years!