WWCD!

When facing situations that I’ll wimp out and walk away in cowardice, suddenly I think “What would Chris do?”

Then I would pretend to be Chris and walk in, acting if I was him. Sometimes, it would go well—with it eventually morphing into my comfort zone. Other times, it would be awkward and I would freeze, then limp away in embarrassment.

I have had always trouble talking to strangers without a clear intent or purpose—or something normal. The act of small talk does not come naturally. See talk to famous people. See calling banks to reduce my rate or waive fees. See making small talk with a girl who has a bag that I really want. See talking to salespeople in stores, especially those where I don’t want to be treated like a novice.

Today, I went up to the bike valet without a bike. Without knowing whether I will actually bike. I wanted to know how the entire experience would be like In my usual social anxious way, I scoped out the place. I studied the outdoor walls and the people coming in and out the building. I looked around at the bikers congregating perhaps for a ride together. I loitered near the entrance door. Then at some point, I thought that was good enough and spun on my heel, headed to the MUNI.

But wait. Chris would not do that!

So I awkwardly…then with confidence, I strolled into the building and talked to the guy at the counter: “So how does this work?”

I got the same answer as the website and on yelp, but in some way, perhaps it was what I was seeking for. Then I got stuck on the MUNI for 30 minutes when it broke down. Inside, I started steaming about how public transit (specifically the light rail) is horrible and annoying and stupid and not well-planned…and how I really need to learn how to bike.

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