Nanny Goats in Panties Rotating Header Image

Do You Talk to Strangers? And How’s That Workin’ Out For Ya?

Jul 28th, 2010
by Margaret.

Why do dogs who meet on the street for the first time in their lives get along so much better than two strangers standing in line at the grocery store? Should I be sniffing their butts instead of saying something innocuous like, “Boy, you really know how to pick out some rockin’ honeydew melons! And where did you find the monster-size super hefty turbo TAMPONS? I was looking all over for those. Do you have the coupon? I have an extra coupon for the TAMPONS if you want it. Do you want the TAMPON coupon? Hey, that rhymes - HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!”

Sacramento isn’t “something” enough to be a hip destination, but is big enough so that neighbors don’t usually hang out together and strangers don’t talk to each other, let alone smile, let alone make eye contact in public.

There is no sense of community, so if you talk to Joe Stranger, you are the enemy or have recently escaped from an asylum and are not to be spoken to. Because only weirdos talk to strangers. Actually, I’m guilty of it as well. If anybody talks to me, I figure they must be out of their minds.

It’s a shame, really. And it only exacerbates my anxiety when I have to introduce myself at social events.

But sometimes, I give humanity a chance.

So a couple of days ago, as I was loading groceries into the back of my car, a man standing at the passenger side of the car next to mine says to me: “Harry Potter? I read all five books…”.

I was wearing my “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” baseball hat, so I smiled. Then he finished his sentence:

“…in jail.”

Oh yes he did. How awesome is that? My kinda guy, I thought to myself, because I was going to embrace this opportunity to give humanity a chance. He’s funny and friendly. What could possibly go wrong with this conversation?

I respond to him in my outside voice:

My Outside Voice: In jail? OK, you just prompted me to ask a bunch of questions there.

Strange Man: Well, I’m a veteran, so…

My Inside Voice: What does that even mean? A veteran? I thought he was going to explain that he was a prison guard. I’m still expecting him to say he was a prison guard. And how awesome is this conversation? His opener was fantastic and I want to hear more. I’ve always wanted to say, “So what were you in for?” Hey, I might even get a blog post out of this. See? This is why people should talk to one another more often. We all have wonderful stories to share and have so much to learn from each other. Besides, what else is there to do while we’re here, sharing this planet? Why can’t we all just get along, be nice to one another, engage each other?

My Outside Voice: Well, I’m no Harry Potter connoisseur, but wasn’t there more like seven books?

Strange Man: This was before.

My Outside Voice: Oh, before they had all come out?

Strange Man: [nodding] Mm-hmm.

My Outside Voice: So, how were you in jail?

My Inside Voice: Doh! What were you in for? What were you in for? Should I reword my question out loud? Or have I just blown the whole timing and delivery opportunity? Crap.

Strange Man: Because this is a police state. [And he laughs. Not maniacally or anything. More like he's accepted the fact that this is a police state and isn't life just funny that way?]

My Outside Voice: California is a police state?

Strange Man: [nods again]: It’s a communist fascist state.

My Inside Voice: OK, I believe we’re done here. Let’s make walking away motions, pushing our empty cart back towards the store. Say good-bye to this little slice of humanity.

My Outside Voice: OK, I think I get it now.

My Inside Voice: Freak. FREAK! Oh, why do I even bother?

The strange man smiles and climbs into the passenger seat of the car, where I see the woman driver has been waiting for him to get in. She doesn’t even look at me knowingly, as if to apologize for his social outcastiness, so no human connection there either. Maybe they belong to the same wacko conspiracy club.

Ugh.

There’s never a small town around when you need it. Stars Hollow, take me away!

Related Posts with Thumbnails

Posted in: humor.
Tagged: ·

← →

  • Pingback: Tweets that mention Do You Talk to Strangers? And How’s That Workin’ Out For Ya? | Nanny Goats in Panties -- Topsy.com

  • http://www.sparklecat.com Sparkle

    Well, that should teach you for trying to imitate dogs, with their penchant for unwarranted friendliness. Better to imitate us cats, with our innate suspicion of strangers. More often than not, we are right.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Yes! If you talk to a stranger, they act like cats! It all makes sense now.

  • Mammatalk

    Sniff butts? I couldn't get past that! LOL!

  • http://injaynesworld.blogspot.com/ Jayne

    My community is so small that even when you get a wrong number, it's someone you know. Strangers here talk to each other all the time. But there really aren't a lot of strangers — except the tourists, who bristle a bit if you say hello. That's how we know they're not one of “us.”

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Your town just shot up to the top of my list of places to visit, then decide to retire to.

  • http://www.powderroomgraffiti.com/ Di@PowderRoomGraffiti

    At least you tried to be civic-minded! On the Tube here in London there is an unwritten rule that you don't talk to anyone - even if your nose is nestling snugly in their armpit. If some poor misguided nice person tries to strike up a conversation - then the whole carriage falls quiet and listens. The sense of embarrassment is palpable.
    Love your 'Outside Voice' - I have a similar thing - but mine is unbearably hearty.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I can totally see that. I've got friends from the UK who have told me the way things work. We must seem so obnoxious and bold and boisterous to you lot.

      • http://www.powderroomgraffiti.com/ Di@PowderRoomGraffiti

        Ha no! Not obnoxious at all - but some people would accuse you of something they consider far worse: The crime of Being Friendly

  • http://www.sparkling74.blogspot.com sparkling74

    Am I the only one that wants to know more about the “I'm a veteran” statement? A veteran of jail or the military? What does one have to do with the other?

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      That was totally gonna be one my questions, but I was so caught up in the jail thing, I just started piling up the questions I wanted to ask him in my mind, but then he went to the communist thing and I had to bail. Because at that point I decided I didn't want to know badly enough any more.

  • http://twitter.com/hokgardner Heather Gardner

    I have a goofy shirt that says “I learned to knit in prison” that I wore to the liquor store once. The man behind the counter elbowed the woman next to him and said “you need that shirt!” I gave him an uncomfortable laugh, gathered my booze and headed for the door. I didn't want to know if she really had learned to knit in prison.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      hee hee!

      What? You mean YOU didn't learn to knit in prison? Then what did you learn in prison?

      • http://twitter.com/hokgardner Heather Gardner

        Nothing yet. By if I end up in prison I'll be sure to learn something.

    • http://litanyofbrittainy.blogspot.com/ LitanyofBritt

      HA! I want to buy that shirt for my mom, the straight as an arrow, socially acceptable, never broke a rule in her life, kindergarten teacher mother! (I know, I think I was adopted too.)

  • http://litanyofbrittainy.blogspot.com/ LitanyofBritt

    He probably went to jail for being a grown man obsessed with Harry Potter books, who stole five books and got arrested. Then they let him keep and read the books in jail as part of his treatment plan. Then you had to go meet him in a parkinglot and tell him there were two more. Way to go, Margaret. The next 5 to 10 is on you.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Oops. I'll bet you're right. Well that's just great and probably what I deserve for correcting a loon.

  • http://maniaravings.com Jaffer

    Well I live in a city as big as Sacramento (pop 500000+ ) therefore I can remain faceless. And we too have characters.
    There was once a fellow who asked me for change when waiting at the bus stop. I spared $2. And he was thankful.
    Then he steps down on the road and faces the rest of the crowd and yells (still talking to me) - SEE THOSE PEOPLE ? THEY DON'T CARE ! BUT YOU SIR - YOU CARE !

    Me (inner voice): Damn now I hope he doesn't follow me home… gotta shoo him away somehow…
    Me (outer voice): Well you have a good evening. I need to be going now … bye ! (Tries to hide behind the pole marking bus stop - man what was I thinking !)

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Oh, shoot. That's what I meant…inner vs. outer voice. I knew it didn't sound right, but I couldn't figure it out. Because your “inside” voice is what I think parents tell their children to use when they don't want them to yell at the dinner table when asking for more squash.

      I love that scene you painted and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that he totally yelled at you in front of everybody. And yelled a compliment. Beautiful!

  • http://www.shoot-me-now.com Katherine Murray

    That story scared me…. !!!

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Great! Then my work is done. :)

  • http://www.redheadranting.com/ redheadranting

    I was just thinking today how if we sniffed butts like dogs we might live in a much better place. So did you sniff his butt? Is that why he told you he was in jail reading Harry Potter books? 7 books, I wonder how long it takes for someone to read that many if they only get an hour each day to walk in the yard and the rest of the day spent on a chain gang. Maybe he listened to them on tape?

    We live in a place where everyone says 'hi', we talk about the weather and then move on. Jail couldn't be mentioned unless he bunked with your cousin, it's just too forward.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I'm pretty sure I can honestly say that I did not sniff his butt. Maybe he worked in the prison library. Like that guy in Shawshank Redemption. Oh, but he escaped, didn't he? (dun-dun-DUN!!)

  • http://twitter.com/SFChick74 SFChick

    Nice! I too am guilty of not being friendly in public and thus I am bad at making eye contact when the situation calls for it, but your Harry Potter episode is clearly the reason why. Unfortunately, it also has lost me a date or two.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Ah, but maybe it has lost you a couple of tragic dates. Icky dates. Dates you're better off NOT going on. Because again, the ones that talk to you? Freaks.

  • http://nanctwop.blogspot.com Nanc TWoP

    Strange Man: Because this is a police state.

    Yes, that was definitely your cue to leave, yikes!

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I suppose in hindsight, the cue to leave was more like back when he mentioned the jail part. :)

  • http://kikiwalter.blogspot.com KiKi

    OK, one of the friggin funniest stories I've read in a while. Sounds like something that would happen to me on the one occasion I decided to even look up at a stranger (hey man, I'm a Los Angeleno).

    Although, I gotta admit, I'm still trying to wrap my head around this tampon thing….

    :-P

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I don't know where that tampon thing came from. I suddenly got the urge to create a horribly awkward scene and that's what came out. :)

  • http://pricillaspeaks.blogspot.com Pricilla

    This is why it is sometimes good to have the Abbys of the world around. Sometimes butting is necessary.

    It is also good you did not mix up your inside and outside voices…

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Ha! That's true. THAT would have been weird, although I'm not sure how much more weird than the situation already felt like.

  • http://www.weworkforcheese.com Nicky

    Margaret, I would totally give you my tampon coupon!

    Wait, I don't suppose that sentence disproved the whole “strangers are freaks” thing, did it? No, I suppose not.

    Well then, Margaret, I would completely ignore you and expect you to ignore me in the supermarket or the laundry room or the “yard”…

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Awww, thanks, Nicky. I like you so much, I would ignore you too! Wait, why does that seem so ironic, to like someone enough to ignore them?

  • http://jannaverse.blogspot.com/ Janna

    You could have said “Wow, what a coincidence! I was in jail TOO, for sniffing the butt of a guy who looked just like YOU!“
    It's what communist fascists do for fun.
    :)

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Oh, that would have been so awesome! Not to mention an exercise in improvisation.

      Hang around a lot of communist fascists, do you?

      • http://www.tarheelramblings.com Tarheel Rambler

        Not to mention that “communist fascist” is an oxymoron. They are polar opposites.

  • http://mommamiameaculpa.com meleahrebeccah

    Ahahahaha! Oh Margaret! I have tears running down my face. Your inside voice is friggen HILARIOUS. And I am hysterical over the fact that the first “stranger” you decided to “give a chance” turned out to be That Guy!

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Well either it's just my luck, or I tend to attract those people. Maybe I just look APPROACHABLE. It's my cross to bear.

      • http://mommamiameaculpa.com meleahrebeccah

        :)

  • Pingback: In Omnia Paratus » Blog Archive

  • http://www.cardiogirl.net cardiogirl

    Alright missy. You've been stumbled and, AND, reviewed. This was awesome! A dude who read Harry Potter in JAIL because Cali is a fascist state! I swear I almost think you're making this up, but I actually believe it.

    A most excellent surprise this morning. Well done!

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Wow! THANK YOU, sweetie. A stumble - woo hoo!

  • http://www.junkdrawerblog.com JunkDrawer

    The saddest part of this is that you missed your opportunity for “So what were you in for?” I'm sorry one never gets a do-over for missed opportunities. I mean, when will you ever get that chance again? Do ex-cons even live in Sacramento? I think not. I believe Harry Potter guy was just passin' through. Which is probably a good thing, being a whack job and all.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I love the term “whack job”. And maybe we do have a lot of ex-cons. I mean Folsom Prison is right up the road and we got a LOT of Johnny Cash fans in this cow town.

  • http://twitter.com/moooooog35 moooooog35

    Your inner voice is a lot nicer than mine. Well..my voicES.

    There are several and, like, two of them are PISSED I'm even talking about them right now.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      If you inner voices are even half as funny as you, you may want to take your “group” on the road.

  • http://mightymfamily.blogspot.com Mighty M Family

    This is why I run and hide when strangers try to talk to me! :)

  • http://wwwsueann.blogspot.com SueAnn

    Ha!!! I talk to strangers all the time…guess I am a weirdo!! LOL!!! That was one funny conversation. I now wonder what he was in for?? And who was that women? His keeper? Did they meet while he was in prison? Oh so many questions. Seriously!
    Have a great day and talk to more strangers.
    Hugs
    SueAnn

    • http://www.cardiogirl.net cardiogirl

      He was some sort of Militia Man, I'm sure of it. Like maybe he staged a sit-in somewhere because he feels the Government is Out to Get Him. And then he produced a sawed off shotgun during the sit-in because it's his Constitutional right to bear arms.

      • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

        I don't doubt that for a minute. He probably didn't even serve time. He just says that to impress people with the notion that he's Done Time and it serves to prop up his claim that the Government is Indeed Out to Get Him.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Oh, can you imagine? Women who look for prison pen pals and she found him.

      Well, I hope they're happy. Like my husband says, there's a butt for every seat.

  • http://twitter.com/lastchance_000 Brian Schantz

    If you want more practice at being friendly, just spend an afternoon hanging around K Street.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I'm not sure I'm ready to OD just yet. I think one has to “work up” to K street.

  • http://www.jennyweber.com Jenny the Pirate

    See, I would've brandished my 1,000,000 volt stun gun (legal in SC and oh yes, I do have one) slash LED flashlight (cunning disguise) even in BROAD DAYLIGHT before that guy had the first syllable out.

    But see, maybe I wouldn't have because in South Carolina, total strangers talk to one another all the time. I will go to the store later and I promise you I will have a meaningful tete-a-tete with some woman in the salad dressing aisle.

    I'm the kind of person people just feel free to engage in convo! Maybe it's because I make eye contact and smile … in a non-threatening way. My mom says I would talk to a dressed-up dog. I take offense at that totally because it's just not true. I talk to dogs in all sorts of dishabille … and even naked dogs … all the time. They do not have to be dressed up. I'm no sartorial snob.

    Anyway, now since your brush with an inmate you can write a Stephen Kingish novella about conversations with crazy ex-cons in parking lots! With that single exchange you're halfway there.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      A million volts sounds like a lot for an anything slash flashlight. Plus, how silly would you look brandishing it in broad daylight. People would laugh at you for requiring extra luminosity in sunlight. Of course, that's when you stun them, right when they're bowled over with laughter. I'm not sure how you'd explain that in court, however, that you attacked someone with no provocation other than laughing.

      The good thing is, that I would know one more person who has been in jail!

  • http://www.triloquist.blogspot.com Ron

    Ok, can I just tell you how much I freakin' loved this story? This post reminded me of several crazy incidences I've had while talking to strangers. For some reason, even if I don't start the conversation, people seem to start it with me. If there are 15 people standing on a subway platform, the CRAZY person with ALWAYS walk up to me first.

    Um….I wonder why?

    Bwhahahahahahahahaha!

    Hysterical post!!

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Thanks, Ron! And I hope to hear about your several crazy incidences on YOUR blog!

      I believe some of us are just cursed with that “approachability” factor. Too bad something like that doesn't make you rich.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_2OPKZO6CBDP3IYH4T6PSYJBQUQ Sarah C

    See if that had been my daughter talking to the ex-con he would have known all about her vacation, trip to camp, where she goes to school and the “secret” place she hides her wallet in our home. She might have even told him where the spare key is hidden.

    Better go move that.

    No really! I think he would have been the one making the motions of escape.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I'll bet having a child with you makes it very difficult to navigate those fragile conversations. You're trying to leave a situation while your child says awkward stuff real loud. Eek!

      But this is why children can make such fast friends, too.

  • Lisahgolden

    I'm such a hermit, the strangest people I talk to are related to me! Okay, that's a bit overblown. Sometimes I talk to strangers, but they're never as interesting as your guy.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      My guy may have been interesting, but you see how long the conversation lasted. Nevertheless, I did get a story out of it and that always a good thing. :)

  • Nezzy

    Heeehehehe, what great blog-fodder! Here in Tiny Town if we search back far enough….we're all related. It's just rude not to talk to family!

    Have a terrific day and hon….steer away for those convicts!

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      HAHA!!! Nezzy, you crack me up!

  • http://twitter.com/HotComesToDie Suzy Soro

    Whenever I talk to a guy in line he always mentions his wife within 15 words. Most of the time I just want to say “You can't POSSIBLY think I'm trying to pick you up. I just want to know where you got the bagels.”

    Stupid store lines.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I know! My friend once told me if I didn't hop up and straddle people while asking questions, they might not misinterpret my intentions, and I just don't see how.

    • http://www.tarheelramblings.com Tarheel Rambler

      OK, Nanny gets two awards today because your comment, inspired by her post, made me laugh out loud again!

      • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

        *humbly accepted second award*

  • Shieldmaiden1196

    Himself (Unfinished Rambler) is a MASSIVE talker-to-strangers, no matter what he tells you. I've lost him in stores only to find him deep in conversation. I loiter until it concludes assuming its someone from Borough Council or sommat. “Who was that?” I ask. “I don't know…..” he replies. But I have to admit, his tendency to gather a provisional 'family' like camp wood when we go on vacation has made our trips more fun. Without his chatting people up I'd never have Quebecois ex nuns running down the steps to hug me before I boarded the airport shuttle in Freeport, or know what restaurants to avoid.

    As to small towns, we extend a formal invitation for you to visit Wellsboro, PA, where I was greeted my first week here by my STATE REPRESENTATIVE, who shook my hand and said how glad he was we moved here. You can leave your keys in your car. And trade roof work for transmission work. And marry distant cousins. :) Its real, real close knit here.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Quebecois ex nuns? Really? Your town sounds dreamy…I mean, even with the marrying distant cousins thing. I think.

      • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

        Oh! And thanks for the invite. If I'm ever anywhere near there. I'm all over it! I don't think I've ever been to Pennsylvania. No wait, I might have been in Pittsburg for a few hours. Or a day. I can't remember for sure. Is the Pittsburg airport like a big shopping mall? Or is that an ignorant thing for me to ask because you live 5,000 miles away from Pittsburg?

  • Fourthbreakfast

    Funny, I was just thinking it would be nice to live in Stars Hollow and then I come upon your post.

    I guess this takes Stranger Danger to a whole new definition. Harry Potter! Jail! Fascism!

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Ha! One more thing to add to those anti-Harry Potter people!

  • http://contrariness.blogspot.com Grace

    Ain't no place I have ever lived, including NYC, where I didn't talk to strangers - I strike up conversations apropo of nothing at all….but at a party? I find a corner and stay there…

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I wonder why parties are more intimidating than talking to strangers. I mean, isn't a party a place where it's supposed to be OK to walk right up to people and start talking to them? I know it often doesn't feel that way, but isn't supposed to be that way?

      And you are awesome. For talking to strangers.

  • http://twitter.com/AnnRan5 Ann Ranlett

    This post, the comments - made my day!
    And I'll share my experience from yesterday: harmless enough, but the “Yogurt Choice Approval Guy” decided he should give humanity a chance and tell me my selection of chocolate frozen yogurt at the “dispense your own” shop was a good one. He was not an employee, just a random customer in line at the dispenser next to me. Ok, whatever, dude, I'm glad you're on my side. I did chat with him a little bit, even though it was awkward. Maybe I should've let out my inner cat.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      See? This guy starts talking to you and whether he's normal or not, you assume he's not. I think part of what makes it awkward is trying to get a conversation going once the initial comment is made. Most of the time all you can do is nod and throw out a courtesy laugh, smile, “No kidding!” But what do you say after that? This is what separates the whack jobs from the normal people. For instance whack jobs would keep talking by just bringing up the very next thing that enters their head, like: “Does your cat ever choke on fur balls?” or something equally non-sequitor.

      Or he could have followed it up with “in jail”. But now you already know what to do if that ever happens.

  • http://thegoodthebadtheworse.blogspot.com Linda Medrano

    Dang, Margaret, was he cute? I have people talk to me all the time and some of them are even not mental. I just look like somebody you can tell that you just got out of the mental home after killing your poodles and husband in the same evening. Or, you just got out of jail because that little hooker lied and said she was 18 when she was 11. Scary business!

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I wouldn't exactly describe him as “cute”. His eyes were bright blue but there was a creepiness factor there. And his skin was sort of slimy, if you must know. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

  • http://www.tarheelramblings.com Tarheel Rambler

    OK…you get today's award for being the first blog to make me laugh out loud. First for the description of the conversation about tampons and “butt sniffing”. Second for the description of your conversation next to your car. The mental images just won't stop!

    If I nod and say, “How ya doin'?”, I have to say that I don't really expect much of a response. Like Sacramento, Raleigh is not too socially friendly in most public settings. But every once in a while, I get an extended answer to my benign query and end up with a mentally-challenged stranger thinking I want to be their new BFF.

    Maybe you should have checked to make sure that woman was a willing driver for your new friend.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Thanks, buddy! I humbly accept today's award.

      Yeah, saying “How ya doin''” in public is just asking for it, really. You're starting it. But I applaud your friendliness. And there is a right way to say “How ya doin'” and a wrong way. One sounds friendly and civil. The other sounds like a perverted frog waiting to pull you under the bridge. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

  • http://www.thefiftyfactor.com/ Joanna Jenkins

    Ha! I'd like to say “Only in California” but I don't think we have the exclusive on crazies.

    You crack me up…. Inside Voice - Outside Voice :-)

    jj

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Probably not. They are undoubtedly everywhere. :)

  • sheilasultani

    I was just talking about this with my kids last night. There was a huge storm and our whole block flooded - once it stopped raining everyone came outside - I haven't seen some of them since hurricane Isabelle 8 years ago.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I've done that. Met neighbors only because a crisis happened. And then you're best friends. It sounds cliche, but there must be something to the saying that tragedies can bring people together. (When they're not pulling them apart, anyway).

  • http://idothings.info JD at I Do Things

    Yikes!

    I don't know that I would have the presence of mind to remember the “What were you in for line” either.

    Maybe you should've tried the tampon ice-breaker with him. Might've been interesting . . .

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I'm loving the phrase “tampon ice-breaker”. Well done. :)

  • JHavenner

    I've had similar conversations at the DMV, I'm an oddball magnet. Maybe I'm the oddball and all the other oddballs see me as a friend…hmmm….

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Yes, someone referred to it earlier in the comments as a “Freak Whisperer”. I'll bet you're one of those. :)

  • Schmutzie

    This weblog is being featured on Five Star Friday! http://www.schmutzie.com/fivestarfriday/2010/7/…

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Thanks, Schmutzie!

  • http://www.farvelcargo.blogspot.com Sue Seese

    Having a conversation with an ex-con while putting groceries in your car? I can see myself loading them in there with no regard for the bread and eggs. All the heavy stuff on top of the smooshables, just to get the hell out of there. Tell me is your bread okay?
    Seriously, I have a system when I put my groceries in the car. That system would be shot to hell if I was talking to an ex-con.
    Sorry you didn't get to say what were you in for, that's on my bucket list too.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      We'll have to keep each other apprised on how we're doing on the “whaddya in for?” progress.

  • http://kidwonderful.com Jenny H

    This made me laugh because I grew up in a super small town where everyone knows everyone else. We all talk to each other and wave on the road when we see someone walking. People outside this little world aren't always like that, so it's funny when they come here and say, “Wow, everyone here is so friendly.” My fiance is from Toronto, ON, and he says that about once a week while he's here because he just can't get over it.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      But I thought all Canadians were friendly? ;)

  • Priscillajo

    I guess I'm the “odd ball” because sometimes I talk to strangers. Here where I live, it's not that unusual and most people are friendly. Once in a while, I notice someone bristle. Maybe they are from Sacramento.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      “Maybe they are from Sacramento. ” <—LOL!!!

  • http://ratfacedgirl.wordpress.com/ ratfacedgirl

    I've lived in a small town for twenty years now, and I'm STILL getting used to the whole waving at the other cars and people in their yards thing. I haven't gone to the grocery store, post office, gas station, etc. without knowing someone in…forever.
    It's not uncommon around these parts to run into an ex-con or escapee(kidding, sort of) b/c we have two state prisons within 20 miles of each other and hell if I didn't work at one for awhile.
    After all this time, a lot of townies think I'm a stuck-up city girl. And I think they're fucked-up country folk, so it's all good. :)

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Well, as long as you all understand each other. :)
      So, if a guy told you he had read all five Harry Potter books, you'd just assume it was in jail, right? Even if he was 12. ;)

  • http://newdaynewlesson.com/ Susie @ Newdaynewlesson

    I love speaking to strangers. (Maybe they don't speaking to me quite as much) but I haven't been cursed at or hit…yet. :-)

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Then you just keep on going with your chatty bad self, girlfriend!

  • http://www.peopleinthesun.com People in the Sun

    Every time I think about California, I wonder if it's more Communist or more Fascist.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Oh, who knows anymore. When the world ends in 2012, California will be more dead than Communist or Fascist.

  • debbie_suburbsanity

    I talk to strangers all the darn time. I've never met anyone nearly that colorful. My life is a waste:)

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      OK, that's a bit hyperbolic. ;) A waste? You kill me. And I'll bet you meet crazies all the time, but unless you run straight home and blog about it immediately like I did, it slips through your grasp and you forget all about it, like a crazy dream.

  • http://www.powderroomgraffiti.com Johno

    Very funny. Honest. Very funny. We were in Target this weekend and a guy stopped us and I thought he was going to ask for directions (he was in his car). Instead he asked if I needed a home feeder system. At least that is what I heard. I said I didn't know what that was. He got super irate and asked how this could be. I said I just didn't. Then I realized he said “home theater” system. I smiled and said no thanks (as I truly do not need one - who does really)and we started walking away. He started yelling how rude it was of us to not hear him out. We shuffled quicker to the entrance. Made a mental not to avoid target parking lots for a while. Ah, the humanity of it.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Ohhhhh, so this wasn't a Target employee? Well that makes sense because although I'm sure Target sells them because they seem to sell everything these days, I was imagining some dude in a red shirt chasing you down to buy a home feeder system. Are you sure it wasn't a Target employee? One who had strayed from the gardening department? You know, trying to meet his monthly quota for home bird feeder systems?

      Hey, will you be at BlogHer this weekend with Di?

  • http://twitter.com/roses2rainbows Linda R.

    I've never struck up a conversation with a stranger that involved the words “jail time”. I've got to admit that I would have hastened to end it and drive away quickly with one eye on the rear view mirror.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Honestly, I don't know what I was thinking. I should have known that assuming that “jail time” would make for great conversation was just wishful thinking. I've seen too many movies with quirky likable characters and project that onto real people.

  • Ruth

    It's a little bit more small-towny here in Folsom, I think. But it's still not like the midwest, where I grew up. I was in St. Louis recently and I was like, Why does everyone keep talking to me all the time?

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Ha! I would probably think the same thing: Leave me alone. I have walls, people!

  • Mikewj

    I'm more than a little late to this party, but this a great story and well told, Margaret. After years of inviting trouble into my life, I have learned to avoid people who randomly initiate conversations with me about their experiences in jail. I just walk away. Quickly.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Thank you, Mike. And better late than never. To the party, I mean. Of course that might mean lukewarm coffee and tepid red bull, but I've got a microwave and some ice.

  • Kate

    I'm from Philadelphia, so I have been raised to avoid eye contact with strangers. That, and to never allow others to pass me in traffic. I too have often longed to live with Lorelai in Stars Hollow. Betcha no one talks about being in the clinker there. Except maybe Kirk or that hippie troubador guy.

  • http://abeautifulmindgush.wordpress.com/ Kate

    I'm from Philadelphia, so I have been raised to avoid eye contact with strangers. That, and to never allow others to pass me in traffic. I too have often longed to live with Lorelai in Stars Hollow. Betcha no one talks about being in the clinker there. Except maybe Kirk or that hippie troubador guy.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      Oh, I like the one about never allowing others to pass you in traffic. Isn't that just one of the craziest things we humans do? How is it we are all still alive and haven't all shot each other on the road? Kirk is a freak. Albeit a slightly lovable one.

  • http://amothershood.com Lanita Moss

    Is Stars Hollow a fantasy we have concocted…or does it really exist somewhere? I want to live in Stars Hollow and have breakfast at Luke's every day.

    I grew up in a small town and I live in one now. I actually had a conversation with an old farmer in denim overalls at the Farmer's Coop. He asked me why I chose the specific green beans I did. Great little conversation…and I should right a blog about it.

    But when I lived in NY, no one talks, no one looks at each other, and everyone avoids any human contact at all. Except to yell at the cabbies who try to cut you off in the crosswalk. I think I prefer the farm talk about green bean varieties.

    • http://www.nannygoatsinpanties.com/ Margaret (nannygoats)

      I grew up in a small city that has grown and has all of the disadvantages of a big city (traffic, pollution, no eye-contact) and none of the advantages (culture, coolness factor). I'm trying to create a sense of community for myself now that I'm back here in Sacramento, but dang it's hard work. It shouldn't be so hard.

      Your green bean conversation sounds just fine to me. :)