Sep 20 2007
Over Friendly Strangers
I don’t mind talking to strangers sitting next to me in a plane. I am happy to chat about general affairs, countries, airline, etc. We can exchange travel stories. We can even talk about my kids, my job etc.
But please, please don’t make the conversation private. I really hate it when strangers start asking the following questions:
Where are you going to stay? (This is a high security question. Why you want to know? Are you going to come visit me? Are you planning to stalk on me?)
Which company do you work in? (Usually I’d answer the nature of the business, but these people would not be satisfied. I hate to tell, for security purpose. Please be sensitive!)
What is your husband doing?
How much do you earn? How much does your husband earn?
What car do you drive? How much is that car?
Where do you live in Malaysia?
(Again, these are none of your business. It is getting too personal!)
When I got agitated, I’d response back by asking them the same questions, to make them feel similarly uneasy. The problem is, these people normally won’t mind telling. Further, I’m not interested in this info.
Normally at this point, I’d take out my book, hinting that I’d like to stop the conversation. Some people get the hint, but some not. I have to be rude to the latter.
I’m sorry, if you are one of those described above, I don’t intentionally be rude to you, but please respect my privacy.
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Yer will have to start preparing a list of fake answers.. muahahhah!!