Adding Discomfort
Posted: Wed 2 September, 2009 | Author: Lyle | Filed under: 1BEM, Charm School, Own Business, People, Work-related |5 Comments »When I have to work in London, I always remember how much I dislike doing so – but also how much fun I can have at the same time.
Currently one of my favourite pastimes is being nice to people, or just talking to them. It seems to shock so many Londoners when it happens to them – and as such is of course very funny.
Just in the last couple of days, I’ve talked to complete strangers in the lifts at the office, (being up on the 14th floor, I really can’t be arsed to use the stairs!) given directions to confused-looking people at Waterloo, and just saying hello etc. to people in the local shop. (In fairness they’re getting used to me, and are far less phased by the entire thing of being talked to)
It’s just something I find fun to do. And it takes a fair amount of skill to be malicious by being civil or helpful to people. Which is why I do it.
Why does greeting someone in a newsagent need any ‘skill’ and why is it ‘malicious’ ?
Greeting the newsagent doesn’t require any skill.
The malicious part is in leaving Londoners slightly disturbed and uncomfortable by having had someone actually talk to them. The fact it was a polite conversation etc. makes it even funnier that they’re disturbed to have been involved in it.
So the “skill” is in being polite/cheerful/helpful and *still* leaving the other person feeling disturbed and uncomfortable. At that point, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a newsagent, taxi driver, copper, tourist, or person.
I see. Thanks 🙂
I don’t think this friendliness thing will really catch on. I will continue to ignore all human contact and stick my face in the worthless Metro.
However, I reserve the right to occasionally snap, Michael Douglas style in ‘Falling Down’, and scream: ‘IS THERE ANY FECKIN’ CHANCE OF YOU BASTARDS MOVING DOWN THE CARRIAGE IN THERE. Thank you.’
The ideal way to be spoken to in London is to be an anxious-looking woman who can’t manage her suitcase on the Tube. I’ve never been ignored, always been helped.
Good for you, Z!