Being Socially Smooth

I love having grown up in a small town. When I moved away I missed seeing familiar faces every time I went... well, anywhere. But along with the greatness of knowing everyone and everyone knowing you comes along the potential for another problem. Not remembering people's names. Today we went to town to do some errands like change our tires to our WINTER ones! With last week's socially awkward moment still very fresh in my mind I headed into town with the goal of being socially smooth. Yeah, that's totally a real term.

I did and said nothing embarrassing at the tire shop. Or at the post office. Or at the bank. Course it was easy. I just didn't say anything at all! Then we went to this amazing local dutch bakery. Still not too socially awkward in my silence. I sat down with Jon and we enjoyed our coffee and treat. Being the small town, I recognized people at each table. But not in the obligated to talk to sense. Just in the smile and nod politely sense. We got up to leave and I'm walking past one table being careful not to make eye contact. Because that wouldn't be socially awkward right?

And then it happens.

A hand from the table reaches out and grabs my arm. Should I try to get free and run away? Start shaking? No. I'm going to be socially smooth. So I stop walking and turn to look at the table of strangers people I slightly recognize.

The lady who grabbed my arm goes "Hi!!! How are you??? I haven't seen you in so long! "

This is my chance! "I'm great! Yeah, I've been gone for a while. Just moved back like a year ago! How are you?!"

She goes on to say she's doing good. And once again... hasn't seen me for a while. We carry on this banter for a bit and her friends join in the conversation. Jon walks up beside me and they look at him. So I introduce him as my husband. She says "Nice to meet you!" Then it's quiet. So I explain "Well we have to get going. It was nice seeing you again." And I quickly walk out.

We get outside and Jon asks "Who is that lady?"

"I have NO idea!"