Misinterpretation

The other day I stopped at the convenience store for a little caffeine fix after class. I get to the counter, he rings me up, I hand him my money, and then the guy said, "What's wrong wit chu? Havin' a long day?" What I initially heard was, "What's wrong wit yo mom and dad."

I seriously felt a greater language barrier trying to communicate with this American than I did when I was in Mexico.

I looked up from my wallet and said, "Uh, sorry?"

"I said, are you havin' a long day or somethin'? What's wrong wit chu?"

This question is asked of me a lot. And apparently in all different languages.

So this made me think: since when are we required to make chit chat with every person we encounter? It wasn't like I walked up there, threw my drink at him and shoved my money in the drawer. I did say 'hi,' but apparently that wasn't good enough for Mr. What's Wrong Wit Chu?

Besides, if something really was wrong, do you think I'd share it with a complete and utter stranger? Do you know how many times I want to make up the most ridiculous, depressing story just to see what their reaction would be? After all, they were the nosey ones asking "what's wrong?"

Am I the only one that doesn't like to shoot the shit with every person I encounter?

And since when are we required to walk around with a smile the size of Texas on our faces?

I realize I have a serious look to my face, but that's my friggin face, ok? I don't walk around like Marcia Brady with bouncy hair and a big smile all the time. It doesn't feel natural to me. But I don't walk around scowling, looking like I'm contemplating offing every person that crosses paths with me either.

Just because I don't look like the hippies of Woodstock who just smoked the biggest doobie of their lives doesn't mean something is wrong.

I kind of want to take a picture of every single person I walk past and see what their facial expression is-- you know, before they realize I'm taking their picture and they look terrified.

So because I was in the mood to be a smart ass (what else is new?), and I knew the guy would most likely take offense to this, I looked up, put the biggest grin on my face and said, "As long as Barack Obama is president, every day is going to be a long day. See ya!"

Disclaimer: I don't dislike everything about our current head honcho and his plans for change. Just most things. And I don't think his competition would have been a better option, either.