Learned Politeness
One of these days we'll both be fine
One of these days we’ll both be fine
Learned Politeness
Yesterday I was waiting for the bus alone at a bus stop, and a man came up to me and started talking at me about some electric bike he was going to buy. He kept standing closer and closer to me as he talked even though I kept moving away.
I wish I could have been the type to tell him to leave me alone. Perhaps in another mood or moment I would have, but on a day I'm visiting my mother in the hospital while she waits for a spot in long term care, I'm just too tired for a confrontation.
It’s been awhile since I’ve been accosted in this way—because I walk most places and rarely take public transit. I forgot how a bus stop can be a kind of trap.
The bus was almost on its way, I was late, and the sky was on the verge of a downpour, so I thought I would just put up with him for a minute or two. Then I would wait for him to get on the bus first and sit as far away as possible.
I started to fall into my learned politeness as he continue to nonstop talk at me when up ahead I saw that a train was crossing. The bus was behind the train tracks and was going to be very late.
For some reason in London, ON train tracks cut right across the city and often cause traffic problems and long delays.
I knew I was not going to stand here with this man for ten or more minutes so I said, I have to go and walked away around the corner and out of sight.
I was worried he would follow me, but he didn’t.
When the train finally passed and the bus was headed for my stop, I moved out from my hiding place and saw the man walk away from the bus stop.
He wasn’t even waiting for the fucking bus.
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Kathryn Mockler is the author of Anecdotes.
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