I was out on my weekend walk, iPod on, steady pace, sun on my face, grin of satisfaction, when I got hit on.. I mean somebody chatted me up, not a physical crash (which would be no surprise, BTW). Except.. He must have been 80! What do you do when a fit and pleasant guy, who could literally be your grandpa, makes a move? Sure, he was appropriate and polite, but.. really? Have I reached such a level of transparent dismay that octuagenerians feel at ease engaging a conversation in a park?
That's it, I am booking a day-long Spa session for a full head to toe restoration. And I am updating my training gear.
In case you are wondering, I muffled some nonsense about what I was listening to, put the earphones back on and started walking a lot faster.
Well, I suppose there is something to be said about admiring beauty! Even an 80 year old man can see the promise in a woman who's happily walking through the park listening to her favorite tunes. What's wrong with that? No one said he was blind, he's just old!
ReplyDeleteTransparent dismay? Are you kidding? Perhaps he was lonely. Perhaps you seemed warm and approachable. Perhaps you reminded him of another time in his life. Perhaps he was just a dirty old man who hangs out in the park waiting to strike up conversations with young women. Who knows...
Book your day-long spa session. While you're laying on the table with mask on your face and cucumbers on your eyes, remember the park moment and be flattered. Misguided may be the best word to describe your octogenarian but, I think it's important to note that he saw something in you that inspired him and that is truly remarkable.
Very interesting... I thought the original post was hilarious but Mystery Friend has given me something to consider. I truly dig your point.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking that maybe it doesn't really matter how it all happens but, the fact that it does could be a testament to the positive experiences that we can share with other people if we allow ourselves to see the good in those moments. Very nice thought.
Mystery Friend, I'd go for the dirty old man option..
ReplyDeleteMizzJudged, how it all happens?? With an 80-year old?? Please tell me you mean something else and I am just reading too hastily between the lines..
Yeah, how IT all happens... The building of loving relationships; the building of confident you, me, whomever; the point in time that you realize that you are great just the way you are... IT. I just think that Mystery Friend is on to something when suggesting that we allow ourselves to look at our experiences positively regardless of who, when, what and where. All of contributes to how we embrace life and those around us. That's really cool.
ReplyDeleteThe 80 year old man? Forget about him. In the grand scheme of things, he's about as relevant as a park bench. If what he said made you smile, made you remember that you're a great person, or made you walk with your shoulders back and head a little higher then I say embrace the result rather than the dirty old man who has nothing else to do.