MM wrote:
> On Fri, 28 Mar 2008 18:54:29 GMT, Palindrome wrote:
>
>
>> One way of proving this is very simple. Take a briefcase containing a
>> big folder labelled "Financial Report 2007-2008". Take that out and
>> appear to be working on it, at the back of the bus. Scowl, don't smile.
>> Demand of the mother that she keeps the kids quiet. You will then fit
>> the "man at work" pidgeon hole and be totally ignored, with kids yelling
>> at each other from the seat beside yours.
>
> Why the heck should I moderate MY behaviour! You're saying I must look
> suspicious, therefore I should take steps to ameliorate that
> suspicion? I resent your suggestion most emphatically also. It is
> risible.
>
"One way of proving it". Unless you think it is necessary to prove
something time and time again, it was a suggested one-off experiment -
not a long-term "moderation of your behaviour". It is not an experiment
I can carry out on your behalf, but I would be interested in the result.
You may find, however, that you would then be complaining about kids
behaviour on buses - choosing to sit near to you deliberately to annoy,
in spite of the rest of the bus being empty..
However, it may be that your emotions, at having someone who you think
appears to suspect you of something, are causing you to project an image
that is unintended. You could start the experiment with a big folder and
work down to a paperback and then try without it.
I don't seem to have this problem with parents and kids. I spent most of
the last flight back across the Atlantic with some stranger's kid asleep
on my lap. Being treated as "someone who looks safe" isn't the green
field it may look.
--
Sue |