A Dangling Conversation

A lifelong eavesdropper--- for years I've wanted to put together a book of the best conversations people have overheard (my personal favorite involves Elvis, a showgirl ,and payphone conversation to her mom) --  I make a big distinction between eavesdropping and having employees engage in a private conversation in front of customers.

Eavesdropping is a sport. Having a private conversation in front of customers is rude.

When you  are eavesdropping the people having the conversation are often unaware that you have tuned into their private conversation.

In 1973, the showgirl in the lobby of the hotel in Richmond, Virginia had no idea I was a cub reporter pretending to be on a pay phone next to her ( it was my idea of being an investigative reporter)

Fast forward to 2005. Yesterday to be specific. I had an 8:30 appointment at the dermatologist's office. I signed in. The receptionist informed me that the doctor was going to be late. I settled into uncomfortable chair in the lobby.

There were two receptionists. One was quiet. One had a lot on her mind.

"I'm so sick of her I'm going to puke. I'm not going to get in the middle of it," said angry receptionist.

Calm receptionist held a client file over her mouth so I couldn't hear her response. This didn't stop angry receptionist.

"It's all about her. You don't do what she did and  not feel bad. She's the one who should be crawling back with her tail in between her legs."

That was it. A dangling conversation.

It made me very agitated. I wanted, and yes, needed the back story. Who was 'she' and what had she 'done'?

I'll never know.

I don't like being left out of the conversations. A couple of years ago in a cost saving measure I started getting manicures at one of the many Asian run discount nail salons.

The price is right. The hours are fabulous. You don't need an appointment. They're open seven days a week and they have evening hours. It's great. Except for one thing.

They don't talk to the customers. They talk to each other. In a language I don't understand. They often laugh.

It is very unsettling. Are they sharing stories about their three year olds? Or, are they actually having a commentary about their customers?

I'll never know. I do know that it makes me feel very uncomfortable.

After a while I stopped enjoying my manicures. I missed the conversation. I resented the private conversation that the nail technicians were having right in front of me.

"...I cannot feel your hand,
You’re a stranger now unto me
Lost in the dangling conversation.
And the superficial sighs,
In the borders of our lives."   
                                               Simon and Garfunkel