Every once in a while we are reminded how small this world is that we live in. Sometimes we hear stories of how that person you flipped off yesterday was related to 6 really huge guys or how that girl you shagged last night turns out to be your 2nd cousin. However, most of the time it’s little things like someone you are talking to went to school with a friend of yours or something simple. The most simple and common of all of these is the bump in. You know when you run into that person you know barely, or used to be friends with? That’s the bump in.
This is so completely awkward. I ran into my cousin’s ex-girlfriend yesterday. Now I know her from high school and they haven’t dated in like 8 years so it’s not one of those uncomfortable “Oh my God I hate your cousin so I can’t talk to you” moments…it’s worse. It’s that “hey I see you, I know you, and I had better stop or it’s going to seem rude” moments. The one that always starts out with a big smile and a recognition then quickly takes a dive bomb into the realm of, I really don’ have anything to talk about with you.
Man I felt like an idiot. I’m like “hey! I thought it was you…” held out my hand for a shake, while it looked like she was going to hug. The handshake was pathetic, but I don’t really know her…I haven’t seen her in years. So of course she asks how my cousin is…I’m like…”uhm what am I his nurse?” Okay I didn’t say that…I was nice.
Is it better to pretend not to see these people? You’re staring at them already to see if it IS really them so you’re gonna get caught.
We need to come up with some way of politely saying to these half-acquaintances “Hey, I know you enough to spot you across the room. And it’s neat that we are at the same place…but I don’t know you enough to stop and try and fight through small talk, soooo…goodbye.”
