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Apparently I have that kind of face
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 12:44PM 
People keep confiding in me.
A few weeks ago I walked into a law firm, dragging my equipment case behind me.
I greeted the receptionist and received a warm welcome in return.
"Follow me," she instructed.
So of course, I did. We had less than twenty feet to traverse before she was pointing to the door I was to walk through.
Which journey, as you may imagine, took less than thirty seconds.
But within that short time, the receptionist began telling me her troubles.
For starters, she doesn't like her bosses.
Hello! Lawyers ...
Then there is the issue of her home life, which includes in no particular order that I could discern, one faithless loser of an ex-husband, two or more shiftless children, car trouble of recent vintage, a newer but no less deadbeat husband, debt to the point of bankruptcy, and her own inability to sleep at night.
I am not making fun of this lady. I commiserated with her then and I feel for her now.
Life can be difficult and not one of us will escape.
But all I'm saying is, what is it about me that makes people want to "spill it" within ninety seconds of meeting me?
Lest you think I'm being dramatic, there is further empirical data.
Later that SAME DAY -- the day the receptionist made me her ad hoc -- and, I might add, free for nothing -- therapist when I'd just showed up to report a few depos, I walked into Wal-Mart.
I know ... big mistake.
Once inside the door, I'd gotten as far as the outer edge of the produce department when a nice lady -- who worked there, as far as I could tell -- made eye contact and engaged me in a rather detailed, if shortish, conversation about the price of bananas and what it meant to her personally.
Once we'd covered that earth-shattering subject, she complimented me on my outfit (I said she was nice) and began telling me about her plans for Easter, which was a few weeks hence.
It involved a ham and too many people expecting to find holiday repletion at her table, but that's all I remember.
I soothed her as best I could and we parted amicably. I have yet to send her a bill.
About fifteen minutes later, I was in the candle aisle when I spoke to a lady who was farther up said aisle than me and on the opposite side, checking out the fake flowers.
She appeared deep in thought as to the selection process but you know how it is. Somebody else comes into "your" aisle and you begin worrying that you're in their way.
She looked apprehensive about my approach so I told her not to move because I didn't need to get through. It takes me awhile to choose my candles.
But the ice had been broken and, before you could say gladiola, the lady asked me a question.
Thirty minutes later we were still talking. I know! Ridiculous!
But she had some tales to tell and, as it turned out, so did I. In parting she gave me her email address, hugged me, wished me a blessed Easter, and enjoined me to send her certain Internet links.
Which I have not yet done.
The very next day, I was trying to take pictures in a cemetery when a man and his wife emerged from the adjacent Lutheran church and called to me.
Nearly one hour later we were still talking. I could sit here until you are glassy-eyed telling you everything we covered, but what would be the point?
Let's just say the three of us found common ground on a number of topics.
For one thing, he wants me to take a picture of his mother's grave, which she has occupied only since last November. I promised I would, and I will.
I have his email address too, and I imagine I'll use it to let him know when I've kept my promise.
Oh, and just so you know ... this is nothing new.
People have been confiding in me for years after knowing me for ninety seconds or less. I don't see it stopping any time soon.
If you need to talk, you know where to find me.
Reader Comments (12)
You need a little pin to wear that says "the psychiatrist's office is closed" ha
I've had issues, along this line also. But not a day like you just had. :-)
Guess we are empathetic. Can people *smell* empathy????????????
~♥~
youre adorable Jen and have a huge warm heart and yes..people sense it girly!! HUGS!
Good people KNOW good people ;-)
I have the same thing happen to me - not all on one day though! I would love to talk with you for awhile,but I'm not planning to leave Michigan anytime soon.
You see I've never even met you and I feel I can tell you anything, You shine through. It's a gift.
@Debbie ... exactly! An anti-shingle, as it were ...
@Aunt Amelia ... it looks as though they can! I'm not surprised you also invite confidences!
@Angel ... well all I can say (besides thank you) is, it takes one to know one!
@Skunky ... or maybe just, talkative people know talkative people! Good to see you, my friend.
@Mari ... more's the pity! I guess I'll have to come up there to talk to you!
@Irene ... the feeling is entirely mutual, luvvy.
Well Sweetie....You have a VERY special Gift! Believe it or not, you ARE your Brother's Keeper...In these troubled times people can sense warmth and love in a person IF they are open to it. You Are...and I Love it! These people are probably at their witts end and are no longer being "heard"...YOU listened....Bless your heart....
NOW! Here's what happened to ME the other day...Oooops! Sorry...Hahaaaa
(((HUG)))
You should start charging!!!!!! hahaha...just kidding. You are a good listener, non-judgmental but willing to give the truth when needed.
That poor lady at the lawfirm...so sad. : (
I must have one those "if you say anything beyond pleasantries to me I will snap and go medieval on you" faces because I can't recall the last time a perfect stranger did anything like this to me...
Sweetie, why didn't you ask me this question sooner? I know the answer since I have had the great fortune of meeting and talking with you!
They see the wings behind you...
@Donna ... haha, I'd love to hear what happened to you the other day. And it's no secret I love to share all that's happened to me ...
@Audrey ... thanks for the compliment; you are a great sounding board, always willing to listen too. The lady at the law firm needed someone to tell her everything would be okay, and I did.
@kev ... "snap and go medieval" ... that gave me my first (of what I hope is many) belly laughs of the day! So you don't have "that kind of face" ... ?
@Donna M. ... awwwwwww! I don't deserve that but I do appreciate it. No wings here ... just great big ears and a very big mouth! You're the one with the wing thing going on.