Mestee Blogger

I think I can add another name to the list of "People who Hate Me". He's a guy, probably in his late 30's, who worked in the same office as me last summer. He is a chronic small-talker, unable to enjoy a quiet commute spent reading the newspaper. We'll call him "Billy". From what I have witnessed, Billy enjoys creating friendly relationships with co-workers to the point that they a) know each other's name b) know each other's commuting route c) know what town the other is from. After establishing this relationship, they have exciting conversations that usually go like this:

Billy: Hi Person "A".
PA : Hi Billy.
Billy: How's life in Town "A"?
PA : Good.
Billy: Are you on your way to catch Bus "A"?
PA : Yes.
Billy: That's good.
(continue to ask about town and/or bus schedule ad infinitum or until one of you gets off bus)

Unfortunately, I have been suckered into being one of Billy's small-talk people -- and I want out. Today, Billy spotted me at the commuter rail station and as soon as I made eye-contact with him (standing about 40 feet away), I looked right past him and began to walk briskly in the other direction. After arriving at North Station, I got on the shuttle bus. A minute later, he got on as well...I was cornered. He said hello to me, but did not squeeze into the same seat with me, as he so often does. After we arrived at work (he got transferred to World Trade the same week I did), he bolted out of the bus ahead of everyone and didn't even wait for me, as he typically would. I escaped his clutches, if only for one day. As for future encounters...Bring it on, Billy, I have evasive maneuvers like you've never seen.
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