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 | By Molly Snyder Edler   OnMilwaukee.com Staff Writer E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Molly Snyder Edler |
| Published Sept. 11, 2007 at 1:02 p.m. |
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For those of us who have lived in Milwaukee our whole lives, it's difficult to go into public without seeing someone we know. Personally, I have lived within one square mile for most of my life -- and have held a series of high-profile jobs -- so anonymity is even more challenging.
Much of the time, I love seeing people I know in public. Milwaukee offers a "small town" feeling even though it's a medium-sized city, and that has always been very appealing to me. Sometimes, however, I just want to run to the grocery store wearing my dorky glasses and not run into anyone. Inevitably, I always do.
Maybe I should save this question for the Sunday Sound-off, but In such cases, is it OK to pretend not to see someone? I don't mean to completely blow them off, but let's say you think you see someone you know in the frozen foods, and you decide to avoid that section for a while, just so you don't have to chat it up.
Do humans have an unspoken understanding that sometimes we just can't acknowledge each other because we just don't have the energy for small talk?
I admit, I have done this, and I have experienced the other end of it too. Usually I attempt to be friendly, outgoing and enthusiastic in public, especially when "bumping into" people I don't know very well or haven't see in a while But sometimes I just want to blend into the crowd, be the proverbial wallflower, slip away into the daylight unnoticed.
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10 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by Beautybee on Sept. 12, 2007 at 10:25 a.m. (report)
I can so relate to this topic. I have lived and worked in the downtown area for almost 25 years. I shop, socialize, dine and party in the downtown area, so like you, I run into the same people all the time. I'm also a pretty social person and I have a "unique" look about me, so I tend to stand out in a crowd, so its hard for me to hide. I have pretended to not see someone on occasion, but the worst for me is when I see someone I know, but can't remember where I know them from or their name, so I just fake as if I don't see them. Ugh is that an awful feeling!
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Posted by JS on Sept. 12, 2007 at 9:31 a.m. (report)
The best is when you see someone you know and you are both in the same mindset. You know each other, but both of you are focussed and just don't want to talk -- to anyone. You do the head bob/what's up nod, and continue on with your business. Metro Market is 'the worst.' You can't go there without seeing at least 4 people that you know ....
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Posted by college_dave on Sept. 11, 2007 at 6:20 p.m. (report)
I love it when people other than my 12 disciples notice me:)
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Posted by misslisaxng on Sept. 11, 2007 at 5:57 p.m. (report)
I do all when I don't know them or I don't want to talk to them yes. I have worked as a Karaokee Dj at a local bar and with that you interact and see so many people. Despite the fact that they are drunk and you are hoping that they don't remember you in the morning or during any time besides the karaokee night. Unfortunately for me no matter where I go I "bump into" these poeple and am amazed that they can and do remember me! I also worked at local stores and when I am out shopping at that store or another store I don't want to be stopped and chat with anyone. I love it that people know me and that I am "famous in a medium town" but yeah sometimes lets just let it be and leave them alone! I do try to be friendly as well but other times I avoid them although it doesn't always work I try and try I do very hard!
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Posted by irisheyestwo on Sept. 11, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. (report)
I know what you mean about being out of town and running into people you kow or that know someone you know. My ex and my parent and I were in Ireland and ran into 2 women who had gone to school with my Aunt.
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