Friday, May 3, 2013

Day 3: Things That Make Me Uncomfortable

Oh boy, the things that make me uncomfortable, hmmmm...... I don't consider myself a particularly neurotic person but it certainly did not take me long to come up with a list of things that make me uncomfortable, so I shall share with you some of them here:

You are cute, little girl, but please,
keep your germ away from me :S
1. Sitting next to sick people on the bus:
Now please don't immediately jump to the conclusion that I am an evil heartless person who looks down upon the sick. But some people clearly have never been taught the "always cough into your sleeves rule"! As a student with a hectic schedule and countless exams, I just cannot afford to catch your virus!

2. Returning things I bought:
I don't know why, but returning things I bought makes me super uncomfortable. It doesn't matter what the thing is, be it clothing, makeup, or even like a malfunctioning curling wand, I just don't like returning things. I always feel inexplicably guilty and ashamed every time I approach the customer service register with my receipt and unwanted goods in hand.

3. When I can't hear what the other person is saying:
This happens to me a lot: I bump into an acquaintance out and about or a stranger I just met starts a conversation with me in a noisy public setting. They start speaking and I realize oh my god, I can't hear a word they are saying because they are too damn quiet and I quite frankly do not read lips. The first few times this happens, I will politely ask them to repeat themselves, but as it keeps on occurring, I get super embarrassed because I don't want to keep asking them to repeat what they are saying. So in great discomfort, I nod and utter a few "hmm hmm" or "oh that's interesting" as they go on about whatever it is they are saying, seemingly unaware of the fact that I cannot hear a single word they are making! Man, it makes me cringe just thinking about this!

The thought of making eye contact
scares me :(
4. Making eye contact with strangers:
I go jogging and biking a lot in the summertime, and I often pass other incoming joggers and bikers, and it makes me extremely uncomfortable when that happens because I don't know if I should make eye contact and smile or not. If I do, I risk getting ignored because some people simply don't like making eye contact, but if I don't, I feel bad because some people are really friendly and like to say a courteous "hello" when they pass by. Anyhow, the strategy I employ currently is simply staring straight ahead or focus on the  ground a few feet ahead of me, as to appear deep in thought.




Anyone with me on any of these? What makes you uncomfortable? I seriously would love to hear them, let me know in the comments!
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