Those (ugh) friendly people

Yes!! Doctors' and dentists' waiting rooms, too! And, actually, it's not so much the gregarious types that befuddle me... I assume those are people-people who enjoy conversing, even with strangers, the way that others like to be alone with their thoughts and a good book. (That's me I'm talking about there.)

I've always wondered about the people who show up with nothing and just sit and stare into space. Sighing occasionally, if the wait is taking too long. I know that 50% of the population doesn't read (made-up statistic, but that's got to be about right, right?), but the idea that reading is such an unpleasant activity that being bored ranks higher on the list of ways to pass the time is really alien to me. Maybe "unfamiliar activity" is a nicer way to phrase that.

'Course, they probably think I'm weird for having my nose in a book. Or iPad as the case may be. So in the end it probably all balances out.

[You're too kind. Two thoughts: 1) I'm reminded of the Seinfeld episode in which Puddy and Elaine are on a plane, Elaine has a book, Puddy says he's fine staring into space the entire flight and Elaine breaks up with him, and 2) there's something slightly rude, and maybe self-centered, about deciding you'll entertain yourself by yakking with anyone near you, as if everyone is anxious to talk to you. Fellow empty-handers, sure, but not everyone else. -- DA]

I've been astounded at the opthamologist that 12 people are content to stare into space in silence while I read.

Perhaps, to their credit, they're not bored. Maybe they're solving algorithms in their heads. There's also a chance, given the setting, that they can't see.

In a pinch, I can recreate movies in my head, but I'd prefer to read.

[Or you can try to remember the lyrics to a favorite album, song by song. Personal album of choice: "Blood on the Tracks." But I prefer reading too. I wonder what the non-readers are thinking about? -- DA]

I once spent a flight from SLC to Ontario, being lectured, by a vitamin salesman, from a company, based in UTAH, about how the purchase, of his product, would change my life. Air travel, is the worst environment, for conversation, of any kind, because the passengers, have just spent hours getting up, and to the airport, going through security, and waiting to get home, in the next hour, or two.

When traveling by Metrolink to LA, I have got my routine down pat. The handy Readers Digest, is right there, in my tote. I have met some very interesting people, and had some very interesting conversations, on the Metrolink. The worst conversation, to overhear, when not wanting to listen, is when the rider, in the seat behind you, pulls out his cell phone, and calls every family member, on his list. By the time we pull in, to Union Station, we know what they are going to have for dinner, and where they are going for the weekend.

I recall reading something, in the immediate past, that they now have certain quiet cars, on certain Metrolink trains. That way, I guess, one could decide whether, or not, they feel like conversing, or riding in silence.

Many of the passengers, traveling home after a work-day, are tired, and they go to sleep. One of my fears, after a fun, but tiring day, is that I will fall asleep, and miss the Claremont stop. (Somtimes, the conductor announces the Stop, wrong.) I once overheard a conversation, by another passenger, about how he slept through his Stop, and had to get off, along the route, and call his wife to come and get him.

[A friend recently slept past his Montclair stop late one night, got off in Upland and walked (!) home. -- DA]

I often think I must have something written on my forehead that says "Tell me your life story." I invariably am standing in line behind someone that wants to unload all of their troubles on me or am seated next to Chatty Cathy on a plane. Even my reading a book has not deterred some people. I seem to have better luck when I am reading my kindle (except for the people who have never seen one and have to ask me all about how it works, etc.).

[Dave Barry, in the quote I used, went on to talk about how passengers would ask about his laptop and what it did and what he did and tried to read what he was writing. -- DA]

Luckily I've got my cell phone which has some cool games and the internet on it, but I'm also the guy who will get up in any waiting room and change the channel on the TV. Can't stand being in a waiting room of any kind and there are mindnumbing soap operas on TV. But I seem to be the guy that senior citizens like to chat with, my wife says I have a demeanor that is non threatening!! I guess I should come up with a more stay away from me look!!

[My demeanor gets me in similar trouble. I get asked for directions a lot. -- DA]