What I have a problem with is the weird stuff that can happen to you while commuting on public trans. Given my social work background, my encounters with DC's mentally ill don't bother me so much. Of course, it can be awkward. When Alvin boarded the empty train, sat down next to me and asked me my name, I didn't mind. Sure, I lied and instinctively responded "Heather," but that's not the point. When Alvin told me to respond to him by saying, "Hi, Alvin," I didn't mind- in fact, I obliged.
What bothers me are the encounters that happen with people who don't actually realize that they are having an "encounter."
Take for example, today. Again, a nearly empty train. I'm sitting in a seat that faces outwards, near the door. There's a metal pole slightly in front of me, in the middle of the rail car for people to use when they are required to stand due to no available seating. So, what happens when we stop at Metro Center you ask?
Well, Dude walks on, stands one foot from my face and holds onto that support bar like there's nowhere else to stand or sit on the whole train. Now folks, I understand when the train is packed and you are forced to have a little uncomfortable contact with strangers. Did I mention the train was nearly empty? Did I mention that Dude stood facing towards me? Yeah, so my eyes were basically one foot from his personal business. Ick. I sat in awe (turning my head from left to right) for about two stops wondering if he was staring at something important over my head. I got to the point where I was feeling so awkward that I decided to get up and stand myself. Once I stood up, guess what Dude was starring at? Oh, you know, nothing. Just the blank wall of the rail car.
Well, Dude walks on, stands one foot from my face and holds onto that support bar like there's nowhere else to stand or sit on the whole train. Now folks, I understand when the train is packed and you are forced to have a little uncomfortable contact with strangers. Did I mention the train was nearly empty? Did I mention that Dude stood facing towards me? Yeah, so my eyes were basically one foot from his personal business. Ick. I sat in awe (turning my head from left to right) for about two stops wondering if he was staring at something important over my head. I got to the point where I was feeling so awkward that I decided to get up and stand myself. Once I stood up, guess what Dude was starring at? Oh, you know, nothing. Just the blank wall of the rail car.
Three stops later, Dude finally exited. At my stop. I let him go ahead.
