My most recent stranger is a 23 years old Turkish software engineer. Living in New York, visiting London for an unknown purpose - work or leisure related I assume.
I don’t know his name. I’m most likely not going to see him ever again, so I consider it a useless piece of information. I regard Turkish names as difficult to memorize anyway. For the sake of this story let’s call him the New York stranger.
We met thanks to my other, less recent stranger (from now on referred to as C.). Turkish as well, any attempt to pronounce his name would very inappropriately end up resembling the muslim Holly War, so I don’t.
All three of us met for lunch at a sushi restaurant near London’s Soho Square. I don’t remember much of the introduction routine, I was far too surprised by the unexpected presence of the new guy. Surprised and overwhelmed. For the first few moments. However, I wasn’t put off by the challenge of making an impression on a new stranger. I took it as an opportunity to practice my social skills and just hoped that this very unbalanced triangle that I got into (as the weaker edge unfortunately), would somehow turn out into an advantage. That I could simultaneously charm both of them without loosing my dignity and sway through this lunch session with such ease and grace that I often admire in sensible characters around me.
Keeping the conversation going, we walked into the restaurant, and to my delight, everything has been going well, according to the usual scheme (apart from that internal joke the two of them chattered about before I quickly - and quite aggressively, changed the subject). We sat down, me brightly choosing the seat with the window behind my back - it’s all about the light you know, the two of them facing me, cramming into the tiny Japanese booths with significant difficulty. ‘Too shy to sit next to me… it’s a good thing’ I kept thinking. I believe it’s normal in the human world to be a little timid when it comes to a triangle situation comme ça.
We ordered. I chose god knows what, it was a very mindless action indeed. All I knew was that in case I’d have to pay for my meal, I could afford it.
Conversation carried on, I believe I acted like a real, mature adult and none of the two turkish strangers had the slightest clue about the processes in my mind I utilized to keep myself on spot.
C. makes me feel dumb. That is what I learned when he left for his meeting and left me and NY stranger to enjoy each other’s company on our own.
Maybe it was partially caused by the sake (14% alcohol), or simply by balancing the former triangle ensemble into two equally strong individuals, but me and Mr. NY stranger have had some of that good old deep-thoughts-spree. I have enjoyed it as I haven't in quite a while. Considering him being a little drunk (quite noticeable as the bottle of sake was slowly, but surely emptying), I’d think he have too.
I like to meet smart people. I love the feeling of having the freedom to let myself be heard and finding an understanding on the other side - a bond is formed as the NY stranger exclaimed. Yes, it’s shallow and brief, but for those few moments it does satisfy.
“Everyone uses everyone in this world.”
His answer to my New York history*. Although I realize that what this guy believes is not the ultimate truth, saying it made me feel as if I was just given an absolution.
Being selfish is nothing uncommon. It’s a way to survive. It’s a shame, but that is how this world is.
“At the end of the day, you find yourself alone” he said. “It’s just you. Alone.”
We got our food packed, because we barely got chance to eat. He paid for me (with a company credit card), walked me to the tube station, the obligatory kiss on the cheek, lovely to meet you, and bye.
* will be explained some other time
I don’t know his name. I’m most likely not going to see him ever again, so I consider it a useless piece of information. I regard Turkish names as difficult to memorize anyway. For the sake of this story let’s call him the New York stranger.
We met thanks to my other, less recent stranger (from now on referred to as C.). Turkish as well, any attempt to pronounce his name would very inappropriately end up resembling the muslim Holly War, so I don’t.
All three of us met for lunch at a sushi restaurant near London’s Soho Square. I don’t remember much of the introduction routine, I was far too surprised by the unexpected presence of the new guy. Surprised and overwhelmed. For the first few moments. However, I wasn’t put off by the challenge of making an impression on a new stranger. I took it as an opportunity to practice my social skills and just hoped that this very unbalanced triangle that I got into (as the weaker edge unfortunately), would somehow turn out into an advantage. That I could simultaneously charm both of them without loosing my dignity and sway through this lunch session with such ease and grace that I often admire in sensible characters around me.
Keeping the conversation going, we walked into the restaurant, and to my delight, everything has been going well, according to the usual scheme (apart from that internal joke the two of them chattered about before I quickly - and quite aggressively, changed the subject). We sat down, me brightly choosing the seat with the window behind my back - it’s all about the light you know, the two of them facing me, cramming into the tiny Japanese booths with significant difficulty. ‘Too shy to sit next to me… it’s a good thing’ I kept thinking. I believe it’s normal in the human world to be a little timid when it comes to a triangle situation comme ça.
We ordered. I chose god knows what, it was a very mindless action indeed. All I knew was that in case I’d have to pay for my meal, I could afford it.
Conversation carried on, I believe I acted like a real, mature adult and none of the two turkish strangers had the slightest clue about the processes in my mind I utilized to keep myself on spot.
Maybe it was partially caused by the sake (14% alcohol), or simply by balancing the former triangle ensemble into two equally strong individuals, but me and Mr. NY stranger have had some of that good old deep-thoughts-spree. I have enjoyed it as I haven't in quite a while. Considering him being a little drunk (quite noticeable as the bottle of sake was slowly, but surely emptying), I’d think he have too.
His answer to my New York history*. Although I realize that what this guy believes is not the ultimate truth, saying it made me feel as if I was just given an absolution.
Being selfish is nothing uncommon. It’s a way to survive. It’s a shame, but that is how this world is.
* will be explained some other time
No comments:
Post a Comment