I have often wondered how people can keep on talking, especially when silence is required (by me, mostly). I always feel bad for whoever sits beside me because they’re in for several hours of quiet.
I recently met a girl I really liked and we became instant friends. We sat beside each other during trips, while working and during meetings when open discussion and free speech was encouraged. There was always dead air. She has to physically poke me to bring out a few words, which almost always starts with a half irritated “What?”
My social awkwardness has never been more evident than now, being with 12 strangers for a good few weeks, meeting new people every single day, feeling the need to say a hearty Hola! to strangers on the street. And don’t even get me started on the kissing, he kisses, she kisses, we kiss, they kiss, the amount of cheek action I’m getting is obscene!
There was one meeting where I didn’t move from where I was but was attacked with an open armed “Rowieeeee”, puckered lips and all. I should be glad for the human interaction but inside me the devil has his pitchfork ready to skewer those unwanted lips.
Still, I appreciate the cordiality of people and the patience of friends. I may struggle at finding the right greeting for the time of day or get flustered at the thought of starting a conversation with someone but it becomes worth the effort when you get past the awkward stage and can start to show your real colors and just sit in stillness. You know we’re good friends when I could nap in your presence.
So before I head off to snooze-vill, I spread my arms, grab hold of your shoulders, get my best fish lips in order, and Ciao!
That little voice inside you 