Close Call

I must give off a counselor vibe. It happens very often that people, sometimes they're total strangers, share intimate details with me about their lives. I'm used to it by now. All I have to do is say hello and the counseling session begins. My sense is that most people have a desire to release a lot of tension, but find few people who are genuinely willing to listen--even friends and relatives.

I'm a very willing listener. My motto in life is that people learn more when they just sit back and observe, or listen. As such, when I talk to people--friends and strangers alike, my tendency is to ask questions. Some people appreciate that, while others balk at my probing ways. Either way, I don't force people to tell me anything personal. I just ask for specific answers (when people are vague), which often leads to follow up questioning that starts the deluge.

One night I ventured to my favorite bar alone to watch a preseason football game. After the starters were removed from the game, I started to lose interest but didn't want to leave because the bartender was making my drinks heavy. Instead, I sipped on my drink and texted back and forth with other friends who were watching the game. Eventually, the bartender stopped in front of me to chat. It was a slow shift so she had some down time.

Jenny wasn't a total stranger. I got to know her gradually as a regular at the bar. The strength of her drinks, and the usual complimentary beverage she slipped in, kept me coming back regularly. For less than $20, I'd have a nice buzz and a great meal. Great conversation was included as well. Whenever things slowed down, Jenny and I would converse about a range of topics--mainly her husband and child.

As Jenny talked to me, a woman walked in with a stroller. Sadly, there was a toddler in it and she ordered a drink. Jenny was clearly annoyed with the situation but had to serve the woman anyway. It wasn't long before Jenny had a completely downtrodden look about her. I thought it stemmed from her discomfort with the stroller situation.

Me: You annoyed with the lady?
Jenny: I'm not comfortable with it. Why do you ask?
Me: Your demeanor just changed suddenly so I thought I'd ask.
Jenny: Oh. You notice everything. It isn't her that I'm thinking about.
Me: What's up?
Jenny: (tears in her eyes) I didn't get to tell you that I'm pregnant.
Me: Oh wow! Congratulations! Your husband happy?
Jenny: He is, but I'm not.
Me: Don't you want more kids?
Jenny: Yeh, but it's tricky. Please don't judge me.
Me: Why would I judge you being pregnant?
Jenny: I hooked up with a guy at a country music concert, so I don't know if it's my husband's baby.

(To be continued...maybe)