If I didn't know I was random before (in my conversation style), I figured it out the other day. I was running on a trail, and I was approaching two friends walking together. When they heard me coming, they were a little surprised and both went in different directions to make room for me to pass. As I was going past them, one of them said sweetly and apologetically, "I never know which way to go." Now, I 'm a very agreeable person. And I also feel like I need to reassure people, like, all the time. I will find a way to reassure others when they don't even see it coming. I can't help it. For example, someone might say, "I'm taking a really hard college course. It's so hard." Me: "Wow, that sounds hard! I didn't graduate from college, so I think it's amazing that you're taking a college course, and a hard one even! Whew! You're going to be the best college student ever. In fact, I think you're going to be the president of that college." And then people are like, does she even mean what she says? She kind of goes overboard! And look, maybe I don't really think someone is going to be the president of a college, but I am impressed, because college is great.
Anyway, I thought that this lady on the trail needed reassurance with her comment, because she looked a little confused. And there's always time to reassure others, even if you're running and not going to stop. So I said (in response to her saying, "I never know which way to go,") "Neither do I." Isn't that reassuring? Can't you just see a big smile on her face after I reassured her? And don't worry if you're having a hard time picturing her with a smile, because you don't know what she looks like. I forgot what she looks like. But just make up a face in her own head. Well, here's the random part (the only random part): After I said that reassuring comment, I also felt the need to say, "And, I always choose the wrong line in the grocery store." It really was on the tip of my tongue. I almost said it, and then I stopped myself and was like, "Do those comments go together?" And I thought maybe not. Then as I was still running, I almost went ahead and said it anyway. But I stopped myself again. For some reason, I really wanted to share with her that I always choose the wrong lines in the grocery store. And I usually do! It's crazy. I used to think it was bad luck, but then I realized that I am just not a very strategic thinker, and as a result, I choose the wrong grocery lines. I'm not saying this is great conversation material, but maybe it could have been even more reassuring to her. I can just see her thinking "Wow, that girl also doesn't know which way to go, and she also chooses the wrong grocery line?! She's so down to earth, and I feel really good right now!" And you know what?! Maybe that's just what she needed that day. Because, sure, she might have looked like she was having a great day, on a walk, with a good friend. But sometimes you just need a little spice in your life. And sometimes that comes from a random stranger, passing by, with random thoughts.
