101 Things, #84: Start a conversation with a stranger
Perhaps buoyed by the success I had with contacting the cop (although it didn’t work out so well), yesterday I initiated a conversation with someone I’ve never talked to before: a good-looking man that works for my company (but in a completely separate department, on the opposite end of the floor, and on a different shift). Because of those conflicting factors I generally only see him in the hall every few weeks.
Interestingly, remember how I said I knew Hot Cop would be hot before he stepped out of the police car? Well, I had just seen this co-worker on Wednesday and given him my usual big smile and “hello” in passing. Yesterday when I got to work, knowing this was a person I see only rarely, I thought to myself: “If I see him again, I’m going to introduce myself.”
So I took a trip down the hallway…and guess who was coming out of the restroom just as I was walking by? Well, that would be Hot Coworker. (Oh, lord! I can’t use the same initials. Hot Cop, Hot Coworker…no. Not good.)
I guess this proves (once again) that I need to stop being such a wuss and just take a chance. I said to him, “I don’t think we’ve met.” I shook his hand and we exchanged names. He was very friendly. And then we stood in the hallway talking for about 10 minutes. Seriously. A very nice guy. And did I mention cute?
On a side note, I don’t mean to keep bringing up the cop, but…there has been an authoritative knock on my door both Wednesday and Thursday afternoon of this week, and when I answer it there’s a uniformed officer standing in my doorway. (The reason for this personal service: delivering paperwork and then picking up the completed forms.) It’s mostly just a hello and good-bye. But, damn, yo…a uniform. Scrumptious!
(Although my posts here in the past several weeks might seem to contradict this, I promise I haven’t suddenly turned into a man-hungry monster.)
19 Comments
good for you! you are becoming a social butterfly.
was it the same hot cop that has been stopping by your house? i have a feeling most people in alexandria don’t get this kind of service from the police force…
so you shook hand and chit chatted and then WHAT????
come on Zandria, I am vicariously dating through you right now, you have to tell us more!!
Have a great Friday
I would indeed like to get that police service as well. just send some over here!
And thumbs up for the courage! A little guts always pays off.
Jen: Yes, it’s the same cop. And I think you’re probably right — I am getting preferred service. I think these forms are usually filled out at the police station.
Marie: We shook hands and chatted, and then when I got back to my office I sent him a funny email about something we had joked about. And he wrote back and then left for the day! That’s all the information I have so far.
Mikkie: Thanks! I’m noticing that having guts actually does pay off. Too bad it took me so long to figure that out.
Hmmm sounds like Hot Cop may want to be your personal Hot Cop =)
“I don’t think we’ve met” is my favorite means of getting a person to tell me their name.
Good going. I’m naturally a little shy myself, so I can totally relate to how scary it can be to introduce yourself to strangers.
fun stuff! a few years ago, i learned the ‘hard’ way to check the left ring finger on men to see if they were married or not. sure, some married men don’t wear wedding bands, so it’s not a fool-proof method. yet helpful most of the time! and at least a bit of starter information!
I think you should call him Sexy Coworker. Just to keep things interesting. This is all reminding me of the Belle & Sebastian song “Step Into My Office, Baby.” Ha ha!
Hey, good for you for talking to the H.C. #2. Is it possible that hot cop is stopping by a bit more often than he has to just to see you?
I am so proud of you, being so forward and brave and, and, and GIRL POWER!
Here’s hoping Hot Coworker will be a much better (and more available) scenario for you. Go Zan!!
Yowza. You are highly impressive, woman!
But what about the HOT UPS MAN? LOL
Not man hungry. Suuuure
One thing I’ve heard is effective for talking to people (and ironically, I’ve never been able to overcome the shyness to try it) is going up to them and asking if they’ve ever been shy themselves. We’ve all had those moments.
I’ve been lurking around for awhile. I love reading your blog.
I myself am extremely shy also. I once took a test & tested 20 to 1 meaning I am an extreme introvert.
Good job on saying hi to that guy at work & the cop. Far more brave then me.
Good on ya! You are very brave…you know, I can see how a person could come out the other side of this 101 Things experiment, changed, if they were a person who welcomed change.
Excellent job being bold! I don’t know if I could have been as brave. Kudos!
BTW, I’m a sucker for a man in uniform too.
Aahhhhh, SPRING IS TRULY IN THE AIR!!!!!!
I am so proud of you for going out of your comfort zone. I was so painfully shy as a teenager and I really regretted it. I’m not the most outgoing person in the world now, but I’m much better than I used to be and I just think life is more interesting and fun when you are meeting new people and comfortable enough with yourself to just start talking to random people. Thanks for reminding me to do that more often.:-)